Vine Branch Foundation School, an arm of Vine Branch Ministries International, has marked its 30th anniversary with the donation of food items and relief materials worth several thousands of naira to two orphanage homes in Ibadan.

The gesture, carried out on Friday as part of activities marking the school’s three decades of existence, benefited The Hope Orphanage Home, Oluwo Kekere, Bashorun, and Oyiza Orphanage and Foster Foundation, Felele, Challenge.

 

Items presented to each home included 50kg bags of rice and beans, tubers of yam, 25kg vegetable oil, cartons of noodles and spaghetti, sanitary pads, detergents and toiletries.

 

Speaking during the presentation, the Head of School, Mrs. Titilope Ojo, said the outreach reflected the ministry’s commitment to caring for the less privileged in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

 

She explained that the initiative was also designed to instil compassion and empathy in the pupils by exposing them to the realities faced by children without parental care.

 

“It is an avenue to let our children know that there are other children who are not privileged to have parents, so they can learn to be kind and compassionate. We also want the children in the orphanages to know that they are loved, valued and remembered by God and society,” she said.

 

Mrs. Ojo disclosed that the anniversary celebration would continue with a hymn festival, followed by a luncheon and awards ceremony on Saturday.

 

According to her, the Founder of Vine Branch Ministries International, Pastor Sola Kolade, will be honoured alongside teachers who have served the school for 10 years and above, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to the school’s growth.

 

“We will also celebrate our staff and their spouses, alumni, former teachers and past parents. It is a family reunion for everyone connected with Vine Branch Foundation School,” she added.

 

She said the week-long celebration would culminate in a thanksgiving service on Sunday, July 26.

 

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of The Hope Orphanage Home, Mrs. Tosin Togun, represented by the Administrative Manager, Miss Rebecca Ademola, and the Director of Oyiza Orphanage and Foster Foundation, Mrs. Joy Taiwo, expressed appreciation to the school for the donation.

 

Taiwo disclosed that Oyiza Orphanage, established 25 years ago, currently caters for 45 children, including nine undergraduates, seven graduates and several others in primary, secondary and vocational institutions.

 

She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the home, noting that it requires additional facilities, including a sick bay, library and agricultural projects to enhance its sustainability.

 

“We also need household items, food, medication and other essentials. We have land opposite the orphanage that can be developed for agriculture to reduce our dependence on donors,” she said.

 

A parent, Mrs. Queen Adewale, lauded the school’s management for maintaining high moral and educational standards, describing the institution as “top-notch.”

 

The donation team comprised teachers, parents and alumni of Vine Branch Foundation School, who joined the outreach as part of the school’s efforts to commemorate its 30 years of educational and humanitarian service.