By Olu Kay, Akure
Relief came the way of some parents and students, as a a non-profit organization, Beauty for Ashes, durimg her 2024 community outreach, distributed school bags and educational materials to over 120 school pupils and students across various schools in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The event, which was organised to alleviate the burdens faced by families as schools resume, following the current economic hardship in the country, was held at the Ijapo Estate Caring Heart Mega Primary school, Ijapo Estate, on Friday October 11, 2024.
Newsline NG learnt that Beauty for Ashes is a non-profit organisation, founded by Mr Akinbolawa and Mrs Olubunmi Akinbobola. It is dedicated to providing basic needs and empowerment programs to underprivileged children.
In the same vein, Beauty for Ashes in conjunction with The Hope Foundation, gave scholarships to some indigent students in tertiary institutions, in fulfillment of its promise to lessen the financial challenges being faced by the less privileged university students, in pursuit of their academic careers.
In their goodwill messages at the event, the founders expressed profound gratitude to God for the grace to be blessings to the less privileged school children in the communities, and also for the success of the programme in the Ondo State capital.
The Akinbobola's, ably represented by Pastor (Mrs) Christianah Akindunbi, appreciated the parents, recognizing their continuous efforts and sacrifice in supporting their children’s education and ensuring their children do not drop out of school.
Her words, "The mission of Beauty for Ashes Foundation, is to help these children thrive and reach their full potentials, despite the challenges they may face.
"We believe that every child deserves access to food, clothing, and education, and we are committed to making a positive impact in our community.
"With many parents and students grappling with concerns about securing essential educational supplies, this initiative provided a much-needed lifeline."
Pastor (Mrs) Akindunbi, who noted that Beauty for Ashes has been involved in various welfare programmes in Lagos State and its enviros, expressed happiness that the foundation extended its hands of fellowship to the less privileged school children in Akure and Oba-ile communities, this year.
According to her, initially, they expected about 100 beneficiaries. But the turnout exceeded all expectations, showcasing the needs in the communities.
"Mrs Olubunmi Akinbobola, the convener of Beauty for Ashes, is a product of Ijapo Primary School, now Ijapo Estate Caring Heart Primary School.
"She gave the Back to School packages to the beneficiaries' pupils and students, as part of her community service to her alma mater and the less privileged in Secondary, Primary and Nursery Schools in Akure and Oba-ile communities," she added.
"Honestly, this is a laudable project. And we thank the family behind this vision for their selfless service to humanity. Everyone knows the high costs of imported school bags and educational materials now.
"I pray that good God will keep blessing the family and the organisation and expand their coast. Like Oliver Twist, we pray that come next year, 2025, our children would enjoy their largesse again,"she stated.
Beneficiaries were basically selected on specific eligibility criteria. They are current pupils and students in Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools, who are less privileged in dire need of financial assistance for their education.
Schools represented in the distribution included Ijapo Estate Caring Heart Mega Primary school, St. Anthony Araromi Primary School, Akure; Ondo State Special School, in Oba-ile. Brilliant Group of Schools, Best Legacy, God’s Favour, Grace and Favour, Apostolic, GLOview, and a host of others. While the Secondary schools beneficiaries were selected from St. Louis Girls Grammar School, Akure, Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure; Ijapo Estate High School, Alagbaka HIgh School, Commercial Secondary School, Akure; St. Daniel's Secondary School, Accord Academy and others.
The lucky students received a variety of school essentials, including backpacks, mathematical sets, rulers, exercise books, pencils, and other vital provisions.
Earlier, Pastor Hyginus Adebayo, a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in an exhortation, encouraged students to take charge of their destinies.
He emphasized the importance of hard work, seriousness in their studies, avoiding negative influences, and respecting their parents and teachers, assuring them that a bright future awaits those who strive for excellence.
Some of the beneficiaries, Godstime Ekpeonyong Offong, a Primary Five pupil from Ijapo Mega Primary School, Aluko Divine from Brilliant School, thanked Beauty for Ashes initiatives for thier kind gesture.
"We appreciate Beauty for Ashes for giving us these educational materials. May the Lord be with them.” they unanimously prayed.
Newsline NG gathered that over 120 students and pupils from over 30 schools, both public and private Secondary, including Primary and Nursery schools in Akure and Oba-ile, benefitted from the welfare packages.
It was also gathered that No fewer than 10 students who benefitted from the 2024 Scholarships, were given financially assistance to meet up with their tuition fees all through the duration of their courses in their various institurions
Highlights of the event included, an uplifting music interlude led by a popular gospel artiste, Minister Omowumi Maxwell, among others.
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