Foundation donates books and educational materials to 51 schools in Akinyele local government

A non-profit community organization, the Jeremiah and Felicia Aderoju Foundation (JFA), which aims to meet the needs of impoverished African communities, has reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of education and its determination to put the education within the reach of the people in rural communities, especially in Oyo State.

The Founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Olagunju (nee Aderoju) stated this in her speech during a program titled: "Jeremiah and Felicia Aderoju Foundation Education Advancement Project in the Local Government Area by Akinyele, held at Shasha Community Grammar School, Ibadan last Saturday.

The founder, who named the foundation after her parents, said the vision was born out of her father's legacy of advancing education, which he demonstrated in his exemplary community service in Eruwa, his home town.

“Throughout my elementary school career, owning books was beyond my reach. I remember having to borrow books from classmates who would reluctantly release them. to do my mission in their homes. Therefore, in 2015, I decided to end the cycle of educational poverty with my generation,” she said.

While highlighting some of the foundation's accomplishments, she said the foundation has donated individualized libraries to approximately 500 students across the state; provided teachers and principals with free professional development materials to enhance their pedagogy and held a free nine-week academic tutorial for approximately 400 SSS 3 students so far.

Others are the provision of baby food, clothing and hygiene products to school-aged children, associated with other socio-economic impacts such as the empowerment of women, the digging of boreholes, youth empowerment, among others.

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Speaking about the event, the Founder's Representative in Nigeria, Former Deputy Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Jacob Akintola noted that "education is the foundation of any developed community. and without it, there could be no real advancement, which is why we have chosen to distribute quality books, most of which are sent overseas by the founder to meet some of the needs in various homes. "

In their remarks, one of the co-organizers of the event, Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi confirmed that the project had obtained approval from the state Department of Education before donating to schools from Akinyele Local Government Area.

Items donated are textbooks, toys, storybooks and other educational materials to enhance the reading and learning of students in the community.

According to JFA Foundation Team Leader, Dr. Adefowope Alabi, the foundation has reached all secondary schools in Akinyele Local Government Area, totaling 51 schools including 36 public and 15 private.

While appreciating the basis of the gesture on behalf of the schools, Mr. Akindehin Eyitayo and Ms. Mayowa Adebayo from Orogun High School, Kajorepo Community High School respectively said that it was a good thing for the students to cultivate used to reading, saying "it enriches their brains."

They are committed to ensuring that their students read all the books, creating a reading time for them in school libraries during school hours as well as the judicious use of other teaching materials.

In the same vein, Dorcas Adeyemo, Royal Diadem College, Alapata Village and Goodness Popoola, Collegiate Institute, who thanked the founder on behalf of other students, expressed their joy at the donation of the book. They said they would do a lot to improve their studies and vocabulary.

Earlier, in his speech, the Governor's Special Assistant for Education, Mr. Victor Olojede congratulated the Founder and the JFA team for the success of the capital-intensive project.

While he encouraged them not to slacken their efforts to partner with the government for the advancement of education in the state, he instructed them to also donate books in line with the curriculum of the state.