Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, has donated crucial educational materials to selected schools in the state.
This initiative, aimed at improving academic standards and creating more conducive learning environments, is part of his commitment to education and community development through his pet project, the RHAP-YESS Foundation.
The back-to-school empowerment event, themed “Empowering the Next Generation for a Brighter Future,” took place in Uyo over the weekend and was supervised by the Project Development Institute (PRODA).
Benefiting schools, primarily within the Uyo Senatorial District, included Christ the King International School (Uyo), Government Primary School, Adadia/Ekim Enen (Uruan), St. Luke’s Lutheran School, Ibiaku Itam I (Itu), Atakpo Community Secondary School, Mbiaya-Uruan (Uruan), Salvation Army School, Ekom Iman (Etinan), Itreto Community Secondary School, Ikot Okobo (Nsit Ubium), and Community Secondary School, Afia Nsit Urua Nko (Nsit Ibom). Other schools that benefited were St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Mbikpong Ikot Edim (Ibesikpo Asutan), Secondary Community School, Iwawa Usung Eket (Ibesikpo Asutan), Migrants Secondary School, Ibakang Nsit (Nsit Atai), and Presbyterian School, Mbiabong Edem Edik (Ibiono Ibom).
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The donated materials included textbooks, exercise books, school bags, whiteboards, desks, chairs, mathematical sets, laptops, desktop computers, and other essential classroom supplies.
In his speech, Senator Bassey emphasized that this educational empowerment effort is designed to complement Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda and underscores the critical role of education in shaping a brighter future for the younger generation. He stated, “Investing in education is an investment in the future of our children, our communities, and our nation.”
Represented by Obong Godwin Awah, the senator assured the audience that through his RHAP-YESS Foundation, he would continue to provide resources that promote learning and inspire students to pursue academic excellence.
Hon. Desmond Etim, coordinator of the back-to-school initiative, highlighted that the donation to Christ the King International School was especially significant for Senator Bassey, as the school had played a pivotal role in his own educational journey.
He also noted that the donated computers would significantly enhance teaching and learning, integrating digital literacy into the curriculum.
Etim further explained that the back-to-school drive would benefit thousands of students across Akwa Ibom North-East, providing them with essential tools and boosting their morale as they embark on a new academic year.
In response, Elder Aniefiok Ekanem, Principal General of Atakpo Community Secondary School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the benefiting schools. He thanked Senator Bassey for his generosity and promised that the donated items would be put to good use.
The event culminated with students and pupils performing songs of gratitude, expressing their appreciation for the senator’s kind gesture.
As the back-to-school initiative progresses, students and families across the district can look forward to a more supportive educational environment, driven by the vision of a brighter future.
The event was attended by members of Senator Bassey’s team, including his Chief of Staff, Charles Iwatt; RHAP-YESS Foundation Director of Programs, Mr. Darlington Udobong; and Legislative Aide, Unyime Jonah, among others.