In line with its belief that education is unarguably a foundational asset for the advancement of any society and children are pivotal in that education framework as well as to fulfill the vision of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, the education and child development programme of a non-governmental organisation, Help Initiative for Social Justice and Humanitarian Development, as part of its efforts to promote lifelong learning opportunities for children equitably and without discrimination organised a inter-schools spelling bee and career orientation programme in commemoration of the 63rd independence of Nigeria
The programme themed ‘the future is here’ was focused on structuring a solid foundation for children and young adults as a means of raising a wholesome generation of brilliant minds and had two upper primary contestants from five participating schools; Edupride Model Schools,
Prime Rose Academy, The Olives School, Kiddies Arena Academy and Tekhols Primary School, making a total of 26 pupils from the selected schools that participated in the competition.
Speaking on the vision behind the project, Aderonke Ige, the initiator stated that, “a combination of the career orientation event and spelling bee competition is one of the ways that Help Initiative as a non-profit is contributing to that foundation and giving our children the opportunity and platform to learn, have their minds challenged and to engage in healthy and friendly competitions as a means to bring out the best in them.
“At the end, every participant at the spelling bee is not only expected to learn and improve their vocabulary, but also to help them develop or increase confidence in themselves while every participant at the programme is expected to gain adequate information to help them make good career choices, based on their natural abilities, interests and academic inclinations.
“Providing children with a solid foundation is crucial for nurturing a wholesome generation of brilliant minds. The future of society largely depends on the education, values, and opportunities we offer to our children. It is also based on this rooted understanding that we always consider key components in the execution of our education and child development programme.
“The values of our education/child development programme are quality education, early childhood development, character and values education, critical thinking and problem solving, physical health and well-being and parental and community involvement. We encourage parents and communities to play significant roles in a child’s upbringing because collaborative efforts between schools, parents, and communities can create a supportive ecosystem for children to thrive. By focusing on these aspects, we can indeed lay the groundwork for a generation of brilliant minds who are well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future, contribute positively to society, and drive innovation and progress,” she said.
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