Emmanuel OchayiIn an effort to improve the learning environment for students in public schools, the El Echad Foundation has partnered with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Victoria Adeoye to donate desks, chairs, and other essential learning materials to two public schools in Cross River State. The initiative aims to tackle the issue of inadequate furniture, which has long hindered the educational experience of students.
The beneficiary schools, Government Secondary School Atu and Government Secondary School Uwanse, located in Calabar, have faced years of poor infrastructure. Many students were forced to sit on the bare floor during classes due to a lack of desks and chairs. This intervention marks a significant shift, offering students a more comfortable and dignified learning environment.
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NYSC Member’s Passion Sparks Change
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Victoria Adeoye, a Batch A1 corps member serving in Calabar South, shared her motivation for launching the project.
“It is heartbreaking to see pupils striving for an education under such conditions,” she said. “I am grateful to the El Echad Foundation for their partnership, which has made this intervention possible. Education is a right, not a privilege, and I hope this small step inspires greater change.”
Beyond this furniture project, Adeoye who is the president of her CDS group has carried out other impactful initiatives. Her first personal Community Development Service (CDS) project focused on sensitizing 50 girls at Government Secondary School Anatigha on menstrual hygiene and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) awareness. She taught the students about menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and myths surrounding menstruation, while also boosting their confidence. Additionally, she provided sanitary pads to the students and donated extra supplies to the school clinic.
Her second project—the donation of 20 tables and benches to Government Secondary School Atu and Government Secondary School Uwanse—is part of her broader goal to create a conducive learning environment for students in Calabar South. The project was supported by sponsors and was approved by the NYSC before implementation.
Foundation Highlights Urgent Need for Educational Support
Otuto Amarauche Chukwu, Co-founder of the El Echad Foundation, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address the systemic challenges in Nigeria’s education sector.
“We are proud to have worked with Victoria and her Hope in Action project to provide essential furniture for these schools,” Chukwu stated. “It is unacceptable that, in this day and age, children still sit on the floor to learn. Education is the bedrock of any nation’s development, and every child deserves to learn in a dignified environment.”
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Favour Ugwumba, Executive Director of the El Echad Foundation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for broader support from stakeholders.
“This intervention is just a drop in the ocean,” she remarked. “There are countless schools across Nigeria facing similar challenges. We need more stakeholders—both public and private—to step in and invest in our educational system. The future of our nation depends on it.”
Impact on Students and the School Community
The intervention has had an immediate and visible impact on the students and school community. Teachers, school officials, and community members praised the effort, noting its potential to boost student morale and academic performance. A teacher at Government Secondary School Atu shared their perspective on the initiative.
“This intervention has brought hope to our students. For the first time in years, they can sit comfortably in class and focus on their studies,” the teacher said.
During the commissioning event, students’ joy was evident, with many expressing gratitude for the improved learning environment. The principal of Government Secondary School Uwanse went a step further by announcing support for students.
“We will pay half of the school fees for the students present during the commissioning,” the principal declared, drawing applause from students and community members alike.
The event’s master of ceremonies also pledged to provide free writing skills training to a select group of students, adding to the ripple effect of opportunities created by the intervention.
Addressing Broader Educational Challenges
While this initiative provides much-needed relief for Government Secondary School Atu and Government Secondary School Uwanse, it also highlights the broader infrastructural challenges facing Nigeria’s education system. Many public schools across the country struggle with overcrowded classrooms, inadequate furniture, and poor learning facilities.
The El Echad Foundation, which is known for empowering underserved communities through initiatives like STEM education for young girls, remains committed to driving change and creating opportunities for all Nigerians. Its collaboration with NYSC member Victoria Adeoye reflects a growing recognition that systemic change requires collective action.
As the NYSC member’s passion and commitment continue to inspire, the intervention serves as a reminder that small actions can have a lasting impact. The success of this project underscores the power of youth-led initiatives and the importance of partnerships in addressing educational inequality.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
