As part of efforts to ensure that children of widows, widowers and those with disabilities do not have challenge returning to school as a result of basic school materials, Human Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) has provided over 200 pupils in some local councils in Lagos State with back-to-school packs.

Each pupil was given items such as school bags, notebooks, socks, sandals, mathematical sets, and other writing materials.

In her welcome address, the Executive Director, HDIF, Mrs Olufunso Owasanoye, stated that the gesture is part of efforts to support government in reducing out-of-school children.

“Your decision to leave your homes, work, and responsibilities to honor our invitation shows the great value you place on the education of vulnerable and marginalized children in Lagos State.”

Providing reason for the initiative, she stated that HDI commitment to education has grown to a new level — supporting orphans, children of widows and widowers, and children living with disabilities to fulfill their dreams.

“Many of them carry great ideas and potential within them. This is the purpose of the event you are witnessing today. With millions of children still out of school, vulnerable children are among the hardest hit by economic hardship. Many experience instability and emotional stress.

“The HDI Education Trust Fund (HDI-ETF) was established to reduce these numbers and address the plight of children who are at high risk of dropping out due to disability, the loss of a parent, or the inability of a surviving parent or guardian to meet their educational needs.

We believe that education is the gateway to human development. Being an orphan, a child of a widow, or living with a disability should never be a barrier to accessing quality education. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and to contribute positively to society.

“This initiative supports the government’s efforts to reduce and, ultimately, eradicate out-of-school children. Today, we are presenting educational scholarships and materials to beneficiaries in public schools, based on good behavior and consistent academic performance.”

She told the beneficiaries, their parents and guardians that the materials given are to make their studies seamless. “This is not just about collection. Parents and guardians, please pay close attention to your children and support them consistently.”

The Guest Speaker and member of HDIF Board of Trustee, Mrs Abosede Familoni, admonished the beneficiaries to make best use of the opportunity given to them as they are among the select few. She enjoined them to be of good conduct in school and a good ambassador of HDIF by excelling in their studies.

Representatives of government ministries and agencies at the event applauded HDI for the initiative, imploring similar organisations to follow in the footsteps of HDI.

The representative of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Yusuf Ishola and Ministry of Justice, Mrs Biola Ajayi, implored the pupils to reciprocate the gesture by facing their studies and come out in flying colours.

The parents and guardians who accompanied the pupils to the event also went home smiling as clothes, jewelries, shoes, bags, and other accessories donated by a United Kingdom-based NGO, Treasure of His Eyes Foundation were distributed to them.

The Director of the NGO, Mrs Adefunke Adeoye, said her foundation yearly support venerable people with such items, especially in Nigeria and Ghana.