Oando Foundation set to impact over 1,000 children with launch of school

In line with its key principles of improving the quality of life and acting as a catalyst for development and social change in the country, Oando Foundation, an independent charity organisation has successfully completed the renovation of fully furnished classrooms and an Early Child Care Unit at Itori Ewekoro Primary School, Ogun State.

The school which was an abandoned poultry turned make-shift school will now provide a conducive learning environment for over 1,000 pupils and teachers in line.

Adekanla Adegoke, Head of Oando Foundation while speaking at the event, said “Oando Foundation has a long history of engagement in Ogun State that dates back to 2012, when it adopted its first school in Akute.

Adegoke disclosed that by renovation the school, pupils and staff of Local Government Primary School, Itori Ewekoro will witness a significant transformation; from learning in a derelict poultry to a fully equipped modern classrooms that support their needs.

“We have furnished all classrooms and supplied teaching and learning materials that facilitate learning. The water supply provided will also improve sanitation and hygiene in the school.”

Itori Ewekoro Primary School was adopted by Oando Foundation through its Adopt-A-School initiative aimed at identifying and renovating dilapidated government-owned primary schools across the country. The Foundation’s decision to adopt the school was partly due its emotionally agonising history where 10 pupils were killed in a devastating motor accident which led to the relocation of the school to a derelict poultry.

The facility lacked the most basic infrastructure required for effective learning; leaking roofs, dilapidated walls, shortage of writing materials, lack of sanitary facilities, limited access to water and other basic amenities such as desks and chairs.

In line with its commitment to sustainable development, the Foundation commenced the restoration project, ‘From Poultry Pen to Primary School’ in March 2016, with the aim of providing access to world-class basic education for both pupils and teachers. Partnership with the US Consulate in Nigeria, renowned Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, Temple Productions, and other well-meaning individuals world-wide contributed significantly to this success.

The teachers’ capacity have also been strengthened in modern pedagogy and subject content knowledge to better deliver qualitative teaching, utilising the teaching and learning materials provided. Additionally, School Based Management Committee (SBMC) are currently being empowered with the relevant skills to effectively support overall school improvement.

According to  the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Ogun State, Modupe Mujota “Ogun State has continued to see growth in the number of primary pupils enrolling in school and we have worked to ensure that they all have a school as close to where they live as possible. Where necessary, we have partnered with organizations like Oando Foundation to ensure our schools receive the necessary support to provide best in class education.”

To date, the Foundation has expended over N350million to restore public primary school infrastructure across the nation and in line with growing needs. The Foundation has further pledged to continually source and identify in-need schools for the provision of quality education and the realisation of the Nigerian government’s Sustainable Development Goal 4.