There’s no better way to start the week than to put a smile on children's faces. The Special Foundation in collaboration with Ms Kemi Akinyele, Country Head for First Bank UK began our week the same. Ms Akinyele embarked on a mission to provide FREE school supplies and mentorship for pupils in line with the foundation’s mentorship program. Among the items provided to over 260 Golden Star Nursery and Primary School pupils, were books, pens, pencils, and cash gifts. 

It was an event replete with great moments and inspiring conversations. The school —a modest two-storied building in the middle of Mafoluku, Oshodi— is a staple of that small community. It is one of the Special Foundation’s partner schools and hosts several beneficiaries from the foundation. 

The Power of Support 

The Principal, Mrs Akinuliola, at the start of the event, praised The Special Foundation for their support over the years, not just with the beneficiaries it supported but the entire staff team. She also highlighted just how inspiring the Special Summer School program held in August 2024 was in attracting a lot of out-of-school children within the community. 

Her words laced with emotions recounted how tough it was for some pupils as their parents could not afford to pay their fees. She also spoke about the dedication of the teachers and how the financial support provided by the foundation always put smiles on their faces. Moved by the principal’s remarks, Ms Akinyele pledged to donate 250,000NGN to the teachers.  

The Golden Star Nursery and Primary School building was a scene marked with excitement. Excited pupils joined in for pictures and engaged with the guests and ambassadors from the Foundation.

Spuring the Minds of Participants 

There’s something to be said about how inspiring it is to see lives changed by great collaboration. The Special Foundation’s mentorship program is one such collaborative effort that hopes to inspire the children as the future of Africa through education. Giving children from these underprivileged communities a right to dream is an effort that requires all hands to be on deck. 

During the event, Ms Akinyele took a moment to mentor the kids about the importance of education. Her speech was filled with a fun story about where she grew up and how she expected the pupils to express more shock at her age. It also had enough motivation inside to inspire the Foundation’s partners and ambassadors present. 

“Any of you can become the President of Nigeria,” she said during her speech. She then went further to highlight the fact that each child’s background should not be a hindrance to their dreams. She also encouraged the kids to respect their teachers, listen to their parents and ensure they stay in school. 

Heartwarming Moments 

A heartwarming moment during Ms Akinyele’s speech was when a child, Wisdom, asked a question. His question: why must children, after finishing their university, have to leave their parents' homes? The question caused a burst of laughter from all those present. 

Ms Akinyele clarified that providing education for a child is a way for parents to invest in their future. When such children become older, they are expected to go into the world and make good on the investment by becoming independent and valuable members of society, and they can help their parents in return. 

An ambassador asked what the pupils wanted to be when they were older. Two pupils emphatically stated that they wanted to become billionaires. Everyone present laughed heartily. Amongst the other professions mentioned were: pilot, actress, doctor, musician, and lawyer. He encouraged the pupils to work hard to achieve their dreams. He stated that the best way to start was for them to focus on their studies.  

A Day To Remember 

The warm smile on the children’s faces as the back-to-school items were distributed was heartwarming. Each pupil collected their gifts and went back into their classroom. At the end of the event, the children sang a special song for their visitors and more lovely pictures were taken. 

It is safe to say that all Golden Star Nursery and Primary School pupils had a swell time. The Special Foundation was glad to be part of this special experience to help support the education of children from underprivileged backgrounds. More importantly, special appreciation goes to Ms Kemi Akinleye for her incredible support. 

You too can be part of our mission to transform the lives of children from underprivileged backgrounds. All you have to do is donate to our cause or get involved by becoming a partner or a volunteer. 

Remember, every child has a right to dream.