From TCNEWS
In a bid to complement the Imo State Government effort at promoting qualitative education, a philanthropist, Chief Mrs. Charity Nwaneri has renovated a 2- Classroom block with 2 stores at Umuri Community School, Umuri-Amaimo Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area.
The renovated classroom block was formally handed over to the Community at a brief but colourful ceremony which took place on Tuesday, 19th July, 2022.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the sponsor, Chief Mrs. Nwaneri observed that a future without proper education for “Our Children is doomed”, hence the need to provide the best teaching and learning equipment and conducive environment for them.
Nwaneri whose address was read by the Community Youth leader, Bro. Stephen Nwaneri therefore implored the teachers not to pay attention only to academics but to use the opportunity to inculcate in the lives of the children moral values at the early stage, which include respect, hardwork, integrity, honesty and dignity, which she carefully observed are lacking in the present society.
She pointed out that if such virtues are religiously embraced, it would help to produce good citizens, better and safer society.
Her words, “A few months ago, my attention was drawn to a video by one of our sons, calling out the deplorable state of dispair of our Community Primary School. It was a shock to us that human beings, particularly children, are allowed to study in such a dangerous and unhealthy condition. Moved by compassion, and as a family that believes in education as a tool to eradicate poverty, create a better life and community, we decided to renovate the school buildings to provide the children with a good and enabling learning environment.
“We thank God that today, we have answered the clarion call of providing an enabling academic environment that will impact the children’s learning as well as their physical, mental, social, emotional and psychological wellbeing”.
She thanked the Village Council and the entire people of the Community for coming out in large number to witness the ceremony, stressing that it was a clear testimony to the fact that they have appreciated the project.
In her remarks, the Education Secretary of Ikeduru Local Government, Mrs. Opara Ethel lauded the sponsor for bringing the attention of the government to the school and promised to equip the school library with books, chairs and tables.
Pix: The pupils in front of the renovated classroom block.
She expressed the hope that the renovated classroom block and offices will be greatly valued and cherished and called on the host Community to protect the facility against vandalism.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the Community, HRH Eze Peter Nnamdi Njoku expressed gratitude to Chief Mrs. Nwaneri for renovating the classroom block, pointing out that the sponsor is committed to rendering selfless services to the people as well as working together for the development of the community and called on the children to take education seriously, assuring that there is hope for a better future.
“Chief Mrs Charity Nwaneri is a worthy daughter of Umuri-Amaimo Autonomous Community, who selflessly has empowered the women in this Community. The Omereoha I of Umuri chieftaincy title conferred on her was not done in error, because she has lived and still living up the expectations”, Eze Njoku carefully admitted.
Speaking also, the President General of the Community, Engr. Okechukwu Cyril Anyanwu commended Chief Mrs. Nwaneri for supporting government effort at promoting qualitative education in the State, describing the renovation of the dilapidated classroom block as part of the sponsor’s life touching projects in the Community.
He recalled that the philanthropist had also upgraded the Community Primary Healthcare Center to a modem hospital, engaged the willing youths in entrepreneurial skills with startup fund, adding that she always identify with the Community projects.
He said the sponsor truly believe that education is one of the important sectors for the socio-economic development of any country and it is, therefore, this belief that moved her to assist the Government in delivering quality education for all.
He called on other well-to-do individuals to emulate Chief Mrs. Nwaneri by contributing their quota to Umuri-Amaimo Autonomous Community.
While also appreciating the sponsor respectively, the Headmistress of the School, Mrs. Njoku Augustina Ulunma, an 11 year old Primary 4 pupil, Miss Hassan Honest, the Community Woman Leader, Mrs. Maria Obasi, and some old boys of the school, who include: CSP Samuel Anyaehie Nwachukwu and Chijioke Odaghara Okadigbo prayed God to graciously sustain the sponsor with good health and appealed to government, well-meaning individuals and organizations to come to their aid by renovating the remaining classroom blocks to accommodate the children.
They also commended Chief Mrs. Nwaneri for her well-thought initiative, pointing out that the renovation of the classroom block was a demonstration of the love she has for her people.
Particularly, the woman leader expressed optimism that the joy which comes with the renovated building will increase teachers capacity and also improve learning.