By Idowu Adebomi
Pupils of Saint Micheal Catholic Primary School Ojido Ado Ekiti on the 31st of May 2024 played host to the ‘Hand Of Grace Charity Kitchen Initiative(HOG)’ a non governmental organization established to the course of empowering children and vulnerable people in the society.
The legal adviser of the Board of Trustees Hand Of Grace Charity Kitchen Initiative Barrister Oluwatoyin Abegunde who led the team of the organization said HOG is not a profit making organisation rather it is established to reach out to the less privileged, the vulnerable most especially children and destitutes in the society.
She said the board of trustees of the organization decided to commemorate the children’s day celebration by choosing Saint Micheal Catholic Primary School as a beneficiary of its kind gesture.
In her words, Mrs Abegunde said children are peculiar and their welfarism should be the priority in every society. She maintained that skill acquisitions should be introduced to young ones as a way of catching them young .
” We have professionals and career talkers here who will encourage the children that apart from education, they should also learn skills,invest entrepreneurship ideas which can help them in achieving their dreams. We are here to tell them how to be responsible in the society and that apart from having academic certificates we can also teach these children other ways to be self employed and can also be an employer.
“we have here today specialists in bead making, lab scientists, Detergent manufacturers, Doctors, Event Planners and a host lot of them, apart from being a Lawyer I am also into organic products. So the aim is to encourage them and introduce them to entrepreneurship at this young age.”
Mrs Abegunde while stressing the need for children to be educated maintained that academic certificates is as important as acquisition of skills.
The thrilled pupils were thereafter lectured on different skills in fashion designing, Bead making, Detergent production, basket weaving,crafts and personal hygiene amongst others.
Alhaja Bukola Rukayat, a celebrated event planner, Doctor Mrs Omowumi Ayodele, Olori Temitope Adeyanju, beads maker and Prince. Gbenga Sodeinde a seasoned journalist took time to intimate the students on various opportunities in chosen careers in Medicine, Teaching, Hospitality, Journalism amongst others and their impact in the society.
In her own words, Dr. Mrs Omowumi Ayodele appreciated the HOG board of trustees for embarking on the laudable project targeting children and vulnerable people.
” I know these children are already empowered, impacted and new ideas have sprung up in their minds through inspiring lectures and will no doubt be motivated to know the right thing to do apart from going to school to acquire certificates.”
She said the initiative will no doubt build the foundation of the children on a solid path since a young mind is always opened to new innovations.
The pupils had the audience on their feet when they eloquent spoke for and against the topic :Benefits Of Entrepreneurship At The Primary School Level in a debate organized in respect for the programme the audience were also treated to beautifully cultural songs and dance steps.
Thereafter the pupils and staffs of Saint Micheal Catholic Primary School received back to school Packs, Bags, Exercise Books, Organic materials, Detergents, Surface cleaners, Air Fresheners worth over 2 million naira.
The students, staffs and parents were also treated to a sumptuous package of meal to further make the day memorable for the pupils.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Adeyanju Jumoke visibly elated appreciated the representatives of HOG for selecting her school for such wonderful gesture.
” when I was told my school was been selected I immediately contacted the authorities and got the approval and today the Hand Of Grace Charity Kitchen Initiative fulfilled their promises by coming to empower, encourage and lay a good path for these children and as you can see I am very happy moreso that the students have shown great enthusiasm towards this programme”
She also appeal to other Non Governmental Organizations to emulate HOG and reach out to children in and out of school.
” we can only encourage them from this young age because this is the only time we can actually build them for the future challenges and ways to overcome and if other people can emulate this project like the HOG then the future is bright for our kids” she concluded.
In the same view, Chief Rufus Ogunlusi Adamolekun the PTA Chairman also had words of thanks and encouragement to the organization while praying that God will continue to elevate them for deeming it fit to come to the aid of the children.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, Awe Oyindamola and Funmilayo Esther thanked the Board of trustees HOG for the kind gesture and also praying that such will be continue in the nearest future.
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