As part of its commitment to giving back to the community, Great Standard Montessori Model School on Friday organized a free medical outreach for over 200 residents of Adehun area in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State.
While speaking with newsmen, the proprietress of the school Mrs. Nofisat Akingbade said the outreach is part of the school’s growing humanitarian service initiative, aimed at promoting health awareness and providing basic medical assistance to residents in the neighborhood.
She stated that the humanitarian programme began last year as a way of instilling values of kindness, empathy, and social responsibility in the pupils.
“We actually visited a motherless baby's home last year, outside the fact that we went with some items , it was a mind blowing event for our children. What do I mean by that? It's actually change their thinking towards other people. It let them know that they need to be kind to people around them because they have more privileged than these people. So we're able to achieve that with our children” she said.
Akingbade added that this year’s event focused on medical awareness and free health checks, including tests for blood sugar, hypertension, and malaria saying that beneficiaries also received free medications.
She noted that the school partnered with the Adehun Health Centre and received support from medical personnel from Ijaye General Hospital, along with the presence of the school nurse and certified doctors.
“So far, we’ve had 160 people in attendance, with a target of 250 beneficiaries. Many of them were shocked and grateful to receive free medication, considering the current high cost of drugs,”.
She emphasized the need for people to take their health seriously and urged the government to continue working to make medical care and essential drugs more affordable.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Tosin Odedina, lauded the initiative. She appreciated the school for helping the people in the community.
“So many people have a lot of sickness in their body but they don’t have the money to go for check up , but with this privilege that the school have given to the to the people in the neighborhood especially the community, I can see that people turn up . The way the medical team attended to us , the way they treat people, you can know that they are in real business.
“Other philanthropist who have opportunity to do this to world, to the community, should help others, the less privileged so that they can know the state of their health”.
Another participant, Mr. Adedigba Omibiyegbe, appreciated the organizers saying that “When I heard about this free medical test, I knew I needed to be here.
“This was well-organized, and I pray other people who are capable can emulate this. In this country, we need people who will step up and help others, especially in this economic situation.”
