Foundation launches N35m back-to-school programme

A non-governmental organisation, Children of Dream and Hope Foundation has launched a N35 million back-to-school fund raising programme, urging Nigerians to key into the dream to secure the well-being of the future generation.

While briefing journalists in Abuja, the founder of the foundation, Juliet Clara Onwuka said her dream to embark on the campaign is to ensure that children are truly positioned as leaders of tomorrow.

Onwuka, a medical laboratory scientist specializing in histopathology and a UK student nurse noted her love for humanity drove her into starting the foundation, making it about kids.

“My mission is turning imagination into reality, turning dreams into reality. I decided to do a back-to-school project because people keep saying the children are the future leaders.

“Then I ask, how can these children be leaders of tomorrow when we can’t even give them a pen and a paper to write down their dreams? That was how the whole thing began,” she said.

Furthermore, she said the aim of this back-to-school outreach is to create and make available adequate learning equipment, school kits and also imbibe a certain level of confidence and self-worth in children, which in turn will make learning easier, encouraging and determinant spirit in the Nigerian child.

According to her, this initiative seeks to take financial burden off parents who are not well to do.

“Given the challenges that the society is faced with today especially in the face of the adverse poverty, parents and guardians find it difficult to provide the necessary and adequate educational tools for children.

“Without doubt, early childhood development is an investment for life. Increased investment in children today builds a better educated, prosperous and peaceful citizenry tomorrow”, she said in a letter soliciting for support towards the noble project.

The Foundation had in the past embarked on similar project, where it provided school kits to children comprising school uniforms, instructional materials, backpacks and more.

It is aiming to reach out to a total of five thousand, with one thousand (1000) pupils from each in FCT and neighbouring states under this project, urging noble Nigerians to support the campaign.

Some of the items being budgeted for include School uniforms, backpacks, Writing materials, books, bulb lights, Teachers table/chairs, Pupils table/chairs, Bucket paints, Marker boards, Ceiling fans and more.

Beyond the get back to school project, the young Humanitarian is also trying to raise an awareness for every school should have a standard school clinic.