By Esther Onyegbula

As part of its initiative to raise awareness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Quality Education and Clean Water and Sanitation, while providing educational materials to support students in need, the non-governmental organization Water Empowerment Foundation (WEFound) organized a Back-to-School Project for disadvantaged pupils at Military Primary School in Ojo, Lagos.

The NGO distributed educational resources to over 150 indigent pupils, although only 40 of the pupils received branded school bags.

The event, held on Thursday, saw participation from seven WEFound team members, nine volunteers, and the school’s teaching staff, with approximately 150 pupils attending. The initiative was led by WEFound’s project lead, Ambassador Elizabeth Adepoju, and supported by Ambassador Funmi Ademola-Aliu and NGO Coordinator Ambassador Obasi John.

Speaking on the initiative, project lead Ambassador Elizabeth Adepoju said, “By providing these resources, we aim to support students 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 outreach focused on empowering children through education and creating awareness of clean water and sanitation. Pupils were educated on the SDGs, and the event featured interactive sessions aimed at inspiring the children to pursue education as a path to a better future.

WEFound recommended maintaining ongoing communication with the school and seeking additional resources to support disadvantaged students, emphasizing the importance of education and sustainable development.

Appreciating the initiative, a staff member and teacher at Military Nursery and Primary School Ojo, Oladimeji Jamiu, said, “We have about seven different schools here, and they tried to cover all of them today. This is what we have been looking for—people and organizations from outside coming to contribute to our educational system, which is currently deteriorating.”

“The support in the form of books, bags, and other learning materials is crucial, especially given the tough economic situation in the country.”

Emphasizing the challenges faced, Jamiu said many parents who struggle to afford basic needs cannot afford educational materials for their children. Initiatives like these play a vital role in bridging the gap for underprivileged families.

Praising the foundation’s contributions, the headteacher of the Brigade Primary School Ojo Mrs Ojoare Abiodun Jaurat said: “In a time when Nigeria is facing economic hardship, gathering yourselves to help children from poor homes by providing books, bags, and writing materials is truly commendable. You have done a great job, and we encourage other NGOs to emulate your efforts.”