By Njide Ezeonyejiaku
As part of the activities for the celebration of International Day for the girl child yesterday, 11th October, 2024, members of All for Women Initiative Nigeria, A-WIN visited some primary schools in Nri Community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria as part of their ‘Back to School Kids” Initiative.
The group, led by their President and Founder, Comrade Stella Igboka, commenced their Back to School programme at Nri with a courtesy visit to the Regent of Nri Ancient Kingdom, Prince Ikenna Okechukwu Onyesoh at his palace, Nri where they were well received.
Speaking, Comrade Igboka explained that A-WIN as a non-governmental and not for profit organisation is keying into Anambra State government policy of free education for Anambra children at the basic education sector by donating school bags and exercise books to poor pupils who have no school bags in three selected schools so they would school with joy like others.
She explained that the bags and exercise were donated by a daughter of Agu-Ukwu Nri, Iyom Dr. Joy Nwufoh, as part of her contributions to the educational development of Nri children.
Responding, Prince Onyesoh expressed delight that the wives and daughters of Nri have consistently supported their community development and prayed God to bless her and A-WIN members, calling on other well meaning Nigerians to reach out to the vulnerable members of the society.
At the three schools visited , including Migrant Farmers Primary School; Good Shepherd Primary School; and Nrijiofor Primary School all in Nri, A-WIN members visited each class and distributed school bags to those who had no school bags.
Meanwhile, each of the schools the organisation visited, assembled the pupils to listen to the talks on the essence of the international Day of the Girl Child presented by Dr. Njide Ezeonyejiaku of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the former President, National Council of Women Society, NCWS, Anambra State Chapter, Mrs Oby Obodozie who harped on the need to educate and empower the girl child to grow into a responsible and functional member of the society who can accomplish whatever she puts her mind to achieve.
The speakers stressed the need to eliminate any form of barriers against the girl child, while appealing for equal opportunities to be offered to both the boy and the girl child in their homes.
Songs of appreciation from the pupils and votes of thanks by the Headteachers of the schools visited featured in the event.
