It was jubilation and fanfare among pupils and teachers of Ikengbuwa Primary School in Warri South Local Government of Delta state when the Queen consort of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III made real her promise to the school, by the ensuring that learning and going to school become even more exciting for pupils.
Educationists and researchers world over are exploring possible ways, ideas and methodology to improve on the learning process especially among young minds as education itself is a cornerstone of development and empowerment.
The wife of the Warri King has continued to work the talk towards improving and adding value to education and learning in Warri Kingdom has continued to attract accolades and admiration within and outside the state.
Her recent efforts and contributions to child development again became louder as pupils and teachers of Ikengbuwa Primary School rolled out the drums in appreciation of Her Majesty’s kind-heartedness when she donated a “Love Garden” and “Eduplayground” facilities to enhance their education.
Addressing teachers and pupils of the school, Olori said that her desire was to ensure that children were encouraged to come to school and learn and also to contribute to the quality of learning and innovation in teaching students.
She noted that quality education was the foundation to the growth and development of any society and so is a critical sector to focus on.
Olori added that the project would not only afford the children the opportunity to learn but to plant and harvest crops.
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She said that the project would also expose the pupils to other entrepreneurial skills to help prepare them for future challenges.
“Education is very dear to my heart. It is the foundation to the growth of any society. Our dream is that giving you this love garden, children are not only learning how to plant and harvest crops, they are also learning entrepreneurial skills.
“Our teachers should teach the pupils the importance of business at this very young age. They should learn commerce, agriculture and social skills which are important for growth and development,” she said.
Olori expressed hope that the playground would motivate children to not only come to school but to learn better. She urged the teachers to teach the children using the new resources as much as possible.
Speaking with newsmen on her recent visit to Finland, Olori said that they learnt about the Finnish educational system.
“We understand that they integrate play and practicality in their education system. A model I have always supported.
“We are in a good position to use the influence of the palace to support the government. We are trying to make quality education accessible to all. Quality education is not solely the right of the privileged few but a right to everyone in society.
“To see if it is possible to partner with the government on how to provide quality education to our children across board, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas,” she said.
Olori assured that the projects would be replicated in the three local government areas that made up the Warri Federal Constituency.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Patience Mene, head teacher of Ikengbuwa Primary School, thanked the Olori for the initiative.
“We are honoured to be your partner in this noble project.
No doubt that this project will raise the awareness of the learners and by extension teachers and parents on the importance of production and consumption of vegetables.
Therefore, there is a learning opportunity for everyone in this project,” she said.
Mene also assured that the facilities would be judiciously used and maintained.
Omamuyi Omatseye, supervisor of the Love Garden and Playground, said that the initiative would afford the pupils a sense of belonging and ownership.
“It will help the children to learn how to plant and nurture and by implication help their minds to relax. It will also give them a sense of ownership for what they consume as well as encourage healthy eating. They can plant, grow their seeds and go home with it, so, it will give them a sense of belonging,” Omatseye said.
One of the pupils, Roseline Sunday thanked the Olori for providing the school with the facilities and prayed to God to continue to replenish her.
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