The need for pupils to be confident, ambitious and hardworking has once again been reiterated. Danladi Verheijen, Managing Director, Verod Capital, made this known while addressing pupils of Kuramo Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos at the 2014 prize giving ceremony organised by Verod Foundation; encouraging the pupils to regard themselves as stars who will continue to shine despite any challenges.
According to Verheijen, “Being a star does not mean everything will be easy – things will be difficult sometimes. But difficulty and pain today, lead to success and rewards in the future”.
Verheijen pointed out that the various learning platforms with which Verod Foundation engages the pupils go a long way to build character and bring learning closer to the students to ensure they are better prepared to take on the challenges of the world out there.
He advised the pupils to be mindful of their future stating that even while it is good to play; they must also work hard so they can accomplish all they have set their mind to achieve.
Leke Pitan, former Commissioner of Education and Health in Lagos State who made a guest appearance at the event, commended the Foundation for doing wonderfully well in the lives of the children.
Pitan disclosed that without even so much funfair, the Verod team through the Foundation has gone into a sector that matters most in the society as education impacts on lives of the future leaders of the country. He urged them to keep up the good work they are doing in the lives of the young ones and other coming behind them.
He congratulated the graduating pupils for their efforts and urged the present pupils to see the awards given to the best students as an encouragement for them to remain focused and study their books all the time, so that they can also have their own great and glorious day in the not too distant future. “If you work very hard, one day they will call you out and give you prizes too and you will be the pride of your parents and family”, he said.
Cordelia Ekeocha, Coordinator, Verod Foundation in her remark, stated that the Foundation have painstakingly tested the pupils on a general knowledge quiz and organised a reading club adding that this in no small way has broadened the knowledge awareness of the pupils.
According to her , “a Spelling Bee is good, but the general knowledge quiz tests the pupils on various subjects from their curriculum and brings everything they have been taught to fore”.
On the upgrade of gift items, Ekeocha pointed out that the Foundation makes it a duty to improve on their gift incentive to the pupil each year.
She noted that the gift of an educational tablet to the pupils is in line with the movement to enhance e-learning among pupils, stressing that the educational tablets given to each winner would help build the knowledge of the pupils and motivate them further.
“We just want to reward them for excellence and encourage the others to do better next term”, she said.
On the prospect of the Foundation, the Coordinator revealed that they have lined up programs like essay competitions and reading club which helps enhance spelling, pronunciation and encourages the pupils to read more.
The colourful occasion graced by dignitaries from Eti-osa Local Government Education Authority and Lagos Internal Revenue Service had as its high point the presentation of Educational tablets, medals and various reading books to the deserving pupils.
KELECHI EWUZIE
