Federal Palace Hotel to Host IWOC's Small World 2026 Charity Drive Celebrating Three Decades of Impact
The prestigious Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos is set to host a significant gathering of women dedicated to fundraising for charitable causes on Saturday, February 8, 2026. This event marks the annual Small World fundraising initiative organized by the International Women's Organisation for Charity (IWOC), which this year carries the theme "Pearls of Time: Celebrating 30 Years of Giving."
A Legacy of Three Decades Supporting Nigerian Communities
In an exclusive interview, Titi Ashamu, Chairperson of Small World 2026, revealed that over the past three decades, IWOC has supported an impressive 303 Nigerian charities across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, shelter provision, vocational training, and community development. Many of these organizations have received repeated support, demonstrating IWOC's commitment to long-term partnerships rather than one-time interventions.
"Beyond the numbers, our impact lies in consistency and continuity," Ashamu emphasized. "We walk alongside organizations, participating countries within local and international communities over time, strengthening their capacity and helping them deliver lasting change. Even during periods of disruption like the COVID-19 pandemic, IWOC remained committed to supporting charities annually."
Thematic Significance and Institutional Reflection
The "Pearls of Time" theme represents more than just a celebration for IWOC according to Ashamu. She described it as "a moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewal" that honors the organization's steady evolution over three decades. Like pearls formed through patience and resilience, IWOC's impact has grown through shared values, cultural exchange, and deep commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.
This milestone has been documented in a recently launched coffee table book titled "Threads of the Journey," which serves as both a legacy piece and testament to how individual acts of kindness can grow into sustained, transformative change.
Platform for Collaborative Philanthropy
Ashamu stressed that Small World serves as a powerful platform for convening influence, fostering partnerships between local and international communities, organizations, and philanthropists. The visibility generated helps amplify grassroots charity voices, attract new sponsors, and encourage collaborative solutions to social challenges.
"The event extends its impact far beyond a single evening," she noted, highlighting how the gathering creates lasting networks that continue to benefit Nigerian communities throughout the year.
Charity Vetting and Impact Verification
Laila Peysson, Charity Coordinator for Small World, explained the rigorous process her team follows to ensure funds are allocated effectively. "We are responsible for vetting potential charities to ensure they follow strict IWOC guidelines," she said. "For example, we don't allocate funds for salaries, scholarships, or rent."
The charity team has personally visited many of the 300 organizations supported over the years, witnessing firsthand how Small World funds have improved Nigerian lives nationwide. "Our job is very humbling, sometimes heartbreaking, but incredibly rewarding," Peysson shared.
Tangible Outcomes Across Nigeria
Peysson highlighted specific achievements made possible through Small World and its sister event Smaller World:
- Launching schools in underserved areas like Bright Achievers School in Bariga, where children would otherwise lack basic education
- Funding hospitals and clinics such as St. Kizito to purchase lifesaving medical equipment
- Supporting organizations like the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria and Cerebral Palsy Centre
- Improving lives of street children through charities including Child Life Line and Street Child Care and Welfare Initiative
- Establishing skills acquisition centers to help vulnerable youth become responsible, successful adults
Beyond Fundraising: Building Community and Understanding
Peysson emphasized that the events deliver value beyond financial contributions. "We learn mutual respect, tolerance, patience, humor, and integrity," she explained. "We are a group from many countries, cultures, races, and religions, but we come together with the common goal of giving back to Nigeria, a place we call 'home.'"
This collaborative spirit has created tangible change across Nigeria, with more children attending school, mothers feeding their families, and communities thriving thanks to sustained philanthropic partnerships.
The Small World 2026 event at Federal Palace Hotel represents both a celebration of three decades of impact and a recommitment to purposeful giving that builds on heritage while looking confidently toward the future of charitable work in Nigeria.
