In a bid to ensure no child is out of school, over three hundred vulnerable children in Lagos have benefited free educational materials and scholarship, ahead of resumption of a new academic session this month.
The Empowerment and scholarship from Nursery to Tertiary Institution is courtesy of a Non Governmental Organization, Human Development Initiative Foundation, HDI, Foundation.
At the presentation of the educational materials at Iwaya, Yaba, Executive Director, HDI, Foundation, Mrs Olufunso Owasanoye, who was full of empathy affirmed that being an orphan, living with a disability, or coming from a disadvantaged background must never be a barrier to education.
While commending the Lagos State government for its increased budgetary allocation and inclusive education, Mrs Owasanoye advised beneficiaries not to take the scholarships or educational materials for granted but to remain committed to their studies, uphold good behavior, and stay spiritually grounded to be successful life.
“HDI Foundation, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1997, has 28 years of dedicated service in empowering vulnerable individuals.
Our vision is to create a society where everyone can thrive—free from social and economic disadvantages.
Our mission focuses on strengthening vulnerable members of society and building human capacity through inclusive social development programs, especially those that advance access to quality education and promote justice, equity, opportunity, accountability, and civic participation”
We believe government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of educating all children, particularly the most vulnerable.
This is why the HDI Education Trust Fund (HDI-ETF) was established—to support orphans, children of widows and widowers, and children living with disabilities by providing educational materials that make learning more effective.
Currently, the initiative supports students from nursery level to tertiary institutions across both federal and state levels”.
“With your continued support, we are confident that we can positively transform the lives of over 1,000 vulnerable children and many more in the years to come” Owasanoye said
Some of the beneficiaries who were visibly elated appreciated HDI Foundation making their dream for qualitative, free education come true and promised to face their studies squarely without distractions.
Lagos Commissioner for Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Education District four, Mr Eyitayo Akinde, commended HDI Foundation for the initiative to support the less privileged in the society.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada