Stories by Ene Osang
Abuja
A non-governmental organization Hope without Borders has donated a 60 capacity classroom and study materials to the Internally Displayed Persons (IDPs) in Wassa, Karshi ward in the Federal City (FCT) Abuja.
The foundation whose purpose is to support the vulnerable in the society through educational, empowerment and healthcare projects donated the classroom to meet the need of the children of the camp who have been out of school for some years due to insurgency in the north east region of the country said they want the children regardless of race, creed or circumstances to achieve their full potential in life.
The founder Mrs. Babafemi Queen Aina said the foundation is committed to actively raise the quality of life for every child adding that what brought them to Wassa camp was due to the isolation of the camp from the city center which has denied the IDPs of help like others closer to the city center.
“The camp is in the outskirt of the city and they need help in the area of education and healthcare facilities. When we visited the camp and asked them for their most immediate needs, they said they do not need food or clothes but they need medical attention and education for the children and that was what prompted our action of building a school for the children since they cannot afford to send them to the private school within the community.”
Mrs. Babafemi said the foundation through self-sponsor has been able to cater for 60 pupils which is 30 for primary and 30 for nursery. “They are divided into morning and afternoon session so that we can be able to accommodate more children for the first phase. We are also set to build six classrooms; three for the nursery and three for the primary and also administrative office for the staff and a standby clinic in the next phase.”
One of the teachers Isa Musa an IDP from Borno expressed his delight over the good will of the founder in helping the children back to school while saying that education is the foundation for a solid tomorrow. “The children were excited as all of them have prepared since 7.00am waiting for the official launch so that they can start classes.”
Another teacher Mrs. Sarah Andrew said most of the children that are of school age have been staying at home for over two years since they arrived at the camp due to lack of money but today they are all happy to be in school and they are eager to learn.
