Rotary Club donates learning materials to pupils

By Emma Njoku

The Rotary Club of Akowonjo has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education and extending its interventions to more schools across its catchment communities.

The club made the commitment during the donation of books, school bags, water bottles, socks and other learning materials to pupils of African Church Primary School, Mosan, Alimosho, Lagos, under its “Welcome Back to School” Basic Education Literacy Project.

President of the Rotary Club of Akowonjo, Rotarian Oladapo Bankole, said the initiative was aimed at encouraging children to remain in school, promote continuous learning and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to become responsible future leaders.

Bankole said the school was selected following an assessment of schools within the club’s catchment area to identify communities and institutions requiring support.

He explained that because Alimosho is a large local government area, the club periodically identifies schools that have not benefited from its interventions to ensure that its impact is spread across the community.

“Before we carry out any project, we normally have our assessment done before we come for a project. We have done our assessment properly,” he said.

He stressed the importance of sustained investment in education, noting that providing children with the necessary learning resources would help improve their academic development and contribute to the country’s future.

Bankole also said keeping children engaged in school could help shield them from negative influences, including drug abuse, while preparing them to become responsible members of society.

“We believe in capacity building in Akowonjo and that is why we are always investing more in education,” he said.

He disclosed that the club was planning additional Basic Education Literacy interventions, including a project to equip and upgrade school libraries with furniture, laptops and other learning resources.

Also speaking, Rotaractor Aminat Suara called on individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the education and welfare of children, particularly those from families that may struggle to provide basic learning materials.

Suara said the Rotaract Club had been implementing projects in schools annually as part of efforts to improve pupils’ academic performance and nurture their leadership potential.

“We want them to perform excellently in their studies. We want to see them lead and also occupy good positions so that they will not relent,” she said.

She urged other members of the public and organisations to emulate the initiative, stressing that support for children should extend beyond academic materials to other areas of their welfare.

She added that the club remained committed to implementing more projects capable of positively impacting the lives of children.

“We hope to do more,” she said. The Head Teacher of African Church Primary School, Mosan, Mrs Osansanya MB, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Club of Akowonjo for the donation.

Speaking on behalf of the school management, staff, pupils and parents, Osansanya said the gesture would provide valuable support to pupils, particularly those whose parents might not be able to afford some of the materials.

“On behalf of the school, the staff and the pupils, we say a very big thank you to the Rotary Club of Akowonjo for providing these children with materials they need in school. Some of their parents may not even be able to afford these items,” she said.

She commended the club for providing writing materials, socks, water bottles, school bags and other useful items, saying the gesture would be appreciated by the parents.

“We pray that God will continue to bless the members of the Rotary Club and take them to greater heights. On behalf of everybody, including the parents, we say a very big thank you. We sincerely appreciate you,” she said.