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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Over 2,000 students from seven secondary schools in Abia State received training and learning materials recently through the Commonwealth education programme outreach.
The programme was coordinated by the Africa Regional Coordinator (Literacy) of the Royal Commonwealth Society and founder/creative director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire, Nikita Nkese, with her team.
The week-long programme, which marked this year’s Commonwealth Day, focused on educating students on the history, structure and core values of the Commonwealth, according to the organisers.
On the programme’s objective, Nkese said, “It is also to position young Nigerians to take advantage of global educational platforms and to reinforce the message that their voices are relevant within the Commonwealth community.”
Nkese, while noting that many of the students had limited prior knowledge of the Commonwealth before the outreach was held, expressed joy that they now have first-hand information about the Commonwealth.
“Through structured presentations and interactive sessions, participants gained a clearer understanding of the organisation’s mission, its benefits to member nations and opportunities available to young people.”
Nkese equally emphasised the importance of early exposure to international institutions, noting that understanding the Commonwealth’s values foster leadership awareness, civic responsibility, and cross-cultural competence among young people.
“The importance of early exposure of students to international institutions cannot be over-emphasised. It will make them to understand the Commonwealth’s values, foster leadership awareness, civic responsibility, and cross-cultural competence among them.
She encouraged the students to participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, an international platform that allows young people to showcase their creativity and intellect through essays, poems, drawings, and scripts while connecting with peers across Commonwealth countries.
As part of a major literacy boost, the organisers distributed 2,100 copies of the Commonwealth publication, “Our Story, Our World – The story of 56 countries,” to students.
Each participant received a personal copy to encourage sustained reading, broaden global awareness, and promote continued learning outside the classroom.
The schools that benefitted from the initiative include Academic Planet School, Bertram American International School, Godly Seed Academy, Great Emerald Stars Academy, Kingdom Heritage Model School and Wellspring Preparatory School.
The proprietoress of the Godly Seed Academy, Amaukwu, Mgbaja Ossah, Umuahia, Mrs. Uchechi Okezie, who spoke on behalf of other heads of school, commended the Commonwealth for what she described as a timely and impactful intervention.
“We want to commend the Commonwealth for their timely and impactful intervention which benefitted not only the students, but also the teachers”.
She expressed gratitude for the exposure and opportunities made available to the students.
