The Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf awarded scholarships to 111 underprivileged pupils of Science Model Primary School, Garki 11, Abuja, as part of its outreach program titled ‘Create Hope in the World’. This initiative was announced by the club’s president, Clement Chinaka, during the event on Tuesday.
Chinaka shared that, in addition to the scholarships, the club also donated school bags to 380 pupils and launched various other projects aimed at reducing the out-of-school rates. He emphasized Rotary’s mission as a global humanitarian organization committed to making significant impacts within local communities.
“Today, we are here to fulfill one of our core missions – to assist where it’s most needed,” Chinaka said. “Our investigative team found that some students couldn’t afford sundry fees, risking their ability to continue their studies and take exams. We’ve covered these fees for 111 students and provided school bags, recognizing the financial struggles of their families. This is our way of supporting these children and, by extension, their families.”
Chinaka called on other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the welfare of indigent children, stressing the importance of collective efforts in making a positive impact.
Ehi Uwaifo, President-nominee of the Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, highlighted the club’s broader community impact through initiatives like the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. “We sponsor various projects in water, health, hygiene, and education because education is a great equalizer. It bridges the gap between rich and poor,” Uwaifo explained. “This scholarship program is just one of many projects we plan to execute.”
Uwaifo also mentioned the club’s commitment to improving sanitation at the Model Science Primary School. “We observed that both boys and girls share the same toilet facilities, which is not hygienic. Our next step will be to separate these facilities to ensure better hygiene.”
Kasimi Karshi, the Head Teacher of Science Model Primary School, expressed gratitude for the Rotary Club’s timely intervention. “I am particularly glad that this project happened in my school, chosen out of around 160 schools within the municipality. On behalf of the school authority, we are deeply appreciative. May God continue to bless you abundantly,” Karshi stated.
The beneficiaries of the intervention were equally appreciative. Azizat Mustapha, a 12-year-old primary six pupil, noted that the scholarship would enable her to graduate without stress. “Thank you for helping us pay our school fees because some of our parents cannot afford it. This will help us further our education,” she said.
Another pupil, Sani Rabiu, added, “We thank Rotary Club for the bags and school fees. May God bless them with more prosperity.”
