The Society for Orphans Welfare (SOW), a Non-governmental Organization (NGO), has described most students in Nigerian public primary and secondary schools as indigents who need assistance from privileged Nigerians.
Speaking during the 2013 edition of its back-to-school programme, SOW coordinator, Mrs. Olatunji Abibat, said these students could be regarded as orphans because most of them with living parents are not better off in terms of accessibility to basic needs that can boost their learning process.
According to her, realisation of this need informed the group’s decision to come up with ‘back-to-school’ as an annual project designed to cater to the needs of orphans and the vulnerable children in the society.
She noted that SOW is involved in the promotion of welfare and educational development of Nigerian youths especially the orphans and vulnerable children.
Olatunji explained that the SOW “Back-to-School” project involves provision of school uniforms and educational materials for pupils in some public primary schools and students in selected Government Secondary Schools at the beginning of every session.
She disclosed that this year’s edition of the initiative, which started in 2008, had uniforms, exercise and text books as well as other stationaries given to about 300 pupils of Orodo Primary School, Ajegunle.
According to her, the scheme aims to positively contribute and support the lives of orphans and indigent youths in the society.
She said, “Our activities also centre around encouragement of these youths in their quest for educational advancement and development.”
Meanwhile, the Head Teacher of the benefiting school, Mrs. Sanni Adijat, urged other well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to come to the aid of poor students in the country’s public schools.
According to her, if other people and organisations see this type of thing as necessary, the conditions of these pupils would improve, thereby helping them in knowledge assimilation.
She said: “As you can see, these pupils are excited about it, and I’m sure they will be encouraged to come to school. When some of them who are absent today are told about it, they will regret not coming because naturally, everybody like free things not to talk of something you are in need of. There are so many other things some of them are lacking. In fact, feeding is another area that is crucial. Some of them, as you can see are not well fed.”
© anu for Royal Times of Nigeria Newspaper, 2013. |
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