The foundation made this known after distributing school materials to over 400 primary school pupils in Oke Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area, on Thursday. The gesture, according to the foundation, underscores the importance of primary education in a child’s development, especially for children whose schooling may be threatened by economic challenges.
Speaking during a visit to the Yewa South Local Government Education Authority in Ilaro, the Spokesman of the foundation, Mr. Segun Adekoya, said the organisation remains committed to supporting children at the foundational stage of learning.
Adekoya disclosed that part of the foundation’s long-term plan is to acquire acres of land in Oke Erinja for the construction of a standard primary school where children from low-income families can access education free of charge.
He explained that Hands of Solace Foundation is made up of young Nigerians from different professional backgrounds who have come together to give back to society from the proceeds of their hard work.
According to him, Yewa South Local Government was deliberately selected for the intervention after research revealed that parental commitment to education in the area is relatively low and requires encouragement through targeted educational support.
He added that the foundation has several other projects lined up to further enhance education in the area.
“We have just introduced ourselves to the community, and we are already working towards acquiring land to build both primary and secondary schools so that children can have access to free and quality education,” Adekoya said.
“We are young Nigerians pooling our resources to pursue this vision, and we call on influential Nigerians and well-meaning individuals to partner with us to make this dream a reality,” he added.
The Head of Department, Academic and School Services, Yewa South Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Ogunleye Adedoyin, commended the foundation when she received its members in her office.
While addressing the delegation, Adedoyin lamented that many primary school pupils in the area require philanthropic support, as most parents are unable to provide essential learning materials such as textbooks, notebooks, school uniforms, and school bags.
She noted that some pupils are forced to carry their books in nylon bags, which often leads to damage, especially during the rainy season. She also revealed that some schools still lack adequate seating facilities for pupils.
Adedoyin acknowledged the efforts of the Ogun State Government in improving school infrastructure but stressed the need for philanthropists to complement these efforts, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
She encouraged the Hands of Solace Foundation to sustain its interventions and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the organisation to expand access to education in rural parts of Ogun State.
Also speaking, the Head Teacher of YSLG Primary School, Mrs. Popoola M.A., appreciated the foundation’s gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. She noted that the materials would motivate both pupils and parents to place greater value on education.
Teachers and pupils from the beneficiary schools also expressed gratitude to the foundation and urged it to continue its humanitarian efforts.
The Hands of Solace Foundation has therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, and philanthropists who wish to support its education initiatives to partner with the foundation through the following accounts:
Account Name: Hands of Solace Foundation
*Bank Name: Sterling Bank PLC
*Account Numbers:*
– 0122870544 (Naira Account)
– 0140542713 (USD Transfer)
– 0140542737 (Cash Deposit)
*USD Transfer Code:* NAMENGLA
