Group empowers Bayelsan students with books, sandals to enhance education

In a bid to enhance elementary education in Nigeria, a small group of individuals with the initiative, #ProjectSandals4Schools, have delivered books and sandals to students in Bayelsa State.

The Group delivered over 200 sandals and 600 exercise books to students across nursery and primary classes in the state between June 26 – 27, 2024.

In a release made available by the Group, led by Chike Donald Ibewuike and Kelechi Ndieze, the initiative is a community development project geared towards bridging the educational gap in Nigeria one step at a time.

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Among the beneficiaries of this project were students of St Matthias Primary School, Amarata, Community Primary School (CPS), Onopa, and St Luke Primary School, Agudama-Epie, all located in Yenagoa.

“It is aimed at the future of Nigeria’s students in a development project that could change the course of their lives perpetually,” the release read.

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According to the Group, the project was aimed at gifting 1,000 disadvantaged students in Bayelsa’s capital with footwear and books to inspire learning and to improve the general primary school repetition rate (16 percent) and improve the transition into junior secondary education in the state.

“In addition, from their independent study, 3 in 5 children in the state capital attend primary school without footwear, leaving their feet at the mercy of the elements.”

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In his closing remarks, Ibewuike expressed gratitude to all who donated to the project. “Your generosity has planted the seeds for a brighter future for these children. Thank you for putting sandals on the feet of young Bayelsan children, and books on their desks.

“Together, we are not just providing sandals and books; we are paving the way for a more educated and empowered generation. Our vision extends beyond Bayelsa; we aim to reach every corner of Nigeria where educational challenges persist. With your continued support, we believe we can make a lasting impact, one step at a time.”