Charity Initiative Donates Learning Materials to 100 Pupils in Lagos

In commemoration of this year’s International Day of Education, over 100 pupils from public primary and secondary schools in the Oto-Ijanikin area of Lagos State received essential learning materials from the Smiles for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Initiative.

The event, held at the Prof. A.O.K. Noah Hall, Lagos State University of Education, Oto-Ijanikin, brought together schoolchildren from various public schools across Ijanikin.

The founder and team lead of SOVCI, Mr. Euriel Momah, stated that the donation was part of the initiative’s “Street to School” programme, launched in January 2023, aimed at supporting indigent children and keeping them in the classroom.

“Our vision and objective are to keep indigent, poor, and vulnerable children in schools,” Momah explained. He expressed concern over the risk of children dropping out due to an inability to afford fees or basic materials. “For some, we pay their school fees; for others, we buy educational materials and support tools.”

Momah also made a plea for public support to help sustain the initiative’s efforts. “This is a call for kindhearted individuals who want to give back to humanity to please invest in our projects. Adequate funding will help make the lives of poor and vulnerable children better,” he added.

The event was organized in collaboration with Youth Orientation for Development and the Lagos State Ministry of Education, District V. Speaking on the theme, “The Power of Youths Co-Creating Education,” the President of Youth Orientation for Development, Emmanuel Ejogu, urged society to view children as active stakeholders in development.

“Vulnerable children are not only recipients of charity. They are holders of potential, bearers of dreams, and also co-creators of solutions when given access, protection, and opportunity,” Ejogu said.

Professor S.A. Dosumu of Lagos State University also addressed attendees, urging educationists to commit to providing quality education to the children in their care.

The programme featured poetry presentations and short documentaries highlighting the importance of education.