In a significant gesture aimed at supporting education, no fewer than 450 primary and secondary school students in the Akinale area of Ogun State have been empowered with scholarships and academic materials ahead of the 2024/2025 academic session.
The initiative, led by the Treasured Points of Light Foundation in partnership with the Spouses Forum of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch, aims to assist children from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they have the necessary resources to excel academically.
The Back-to-School Outreach Program saw the foundation and NSE Spouses forum offer 10 scholarships, alongside the distribution of essential educational items such as school bags, shoes, lunch bags, water bottles, and stationery to hundreds of other students.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oluronke Idowu, Chairman of the Spouses Forum of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Abeokuta, emphasized the importance of education, noting how it has shaped both the spouses and their partners, who are engineers.
“Education has shaped our lives and those of our husbands, who are engineers. With that in mind, we believe in empowering society, especially the children, so they can have a brighter future and be well-educated. We need more female and male engineers,” said Mrs. Idowu.
She also urged parents to prioritize their children’s education, despite the current economic challenges, stressing that the development of a child’s education remains paramount.
In her own remarks, the President of the Treasured Points of Light Foundation, Mrs. Damilola Onebamhoin, highlighted the impact of the program, stating that over 450 students benefited from the distribution of academic materials. The initiative, she explained, was aimed at encouraging students to return to school, especially in the face of economic hardships that have led to an increase in dropout rates.
“Many things are discouraging, and we have seen people dropping out of school. But in our own small way, we want to encourage children to return to school,” Onebamhoin said.
Addressing the students directly, she added, “Don’t focus on limitations, but look at the bright side. There are many people who didn’t have shoes growing up, but today, they are engineers, governors, and even presidents. You can be anything you set out to be. Don’t focus on what you don’t have, but rather look inward at what you do have.”
The program stands as a beacon of hope for many families, ensuring that their children are equipped to succeed as they embark on another academic year.
