By Esther Onyegbula

The Water Empowerment Foundation has launched a back-to-school initiative aimed at equipping pupils of Military Primary School, Ojo, Lagos, with essential learning materials.

The project, led by Co-chair and Project Coordinator Obási John, seeks to provide pupils with school bags, books, and other stationery to create a conducive learning environment.

Speaking on the initiative, John said “By providing these resources, we aim to support pupils who lack basic educational supplies, thereby helping them stay focused and motivated throughout the academic year. The project’s goal is to reduce school dropouts by ensuring that pupils have the learning materials they need.”

“The project is expected to have an immediate impact by easing the financial burden on families and giving pupils the tools they need to actively participate in their classes. It will also improve students’ morale, attendance, and overall academic performance,” John added.

Program Manager Ms. Elizabeth Adepoju explained that Military Primary School, Ojo, was selected due to its high student population and significant need for educational support. “Many pupils at this school come from underprivileged backgrounds, so donating these essential supplies will alleviate financial stress on parents and ensure pupils have what they need to succeed,” Adepoju noted.

During the event, students will receive school bags, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential items. An interactive session will also be held to encourage students to make the most of these resources, including training on effective water management.

Alan D. Kruse, CEO of the Water Empowerment Foundation and donor of the back-to-school initiative, highlighted the broader connection between empowerment and education. “Although this project does not directly involve water infrastructure, addressing basic needs, whether through access to clean water or educational supplies, ensures students can better focus on their studies,” Kruse said. He added that a monitoring and evaluation team will be established to assess the project’s impact, provide ongoing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) training, and engage school authorities in project ownership.

Despite the positive outlook, Kruse acknowledged some challenges, including securing funding and resources to reach more pupils, coordinating logistics, and addressing infrastructure deficiencies in the schools.

Human Resources Manager Mrs. Abdulsalam Folake Ramat revealed the foundation’s plans to replicate the project across all 36 states of Nigeria, expand to secondary schools and universities, and integrate technology-based learning solutions.

“Our mission is to empower West Africa to provide clean water, promote sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for its people,” Mrs. Ramat stated. “This project addresses critical gaps in primary education and aligns with our overall goal of fostering self-sufficiency and community development.”

Empowering pupils with educational materials unlocks a brighter future for individuals, communities, and Nigeria as a whole.