To empower special children with practical skills and promote self-reliance, the Rotary Club of Ikeja under Rotary International District 9111, has commissioned a fully funded and solar-powered vocational training centre at the Ikeja Junior High School.

The project, sponsored and funded by the club in partnership with Rotary International District 9111, aimed to empower students with special needs by equipping them with the skills necessary for self-sufficiency and active participation in society.

President of the Rotary, Olanrewaju Lawal, emphasised that the vocational training centre was established to equip students with employable skills in areas such as fashion design and tailoring, catering, barbing and hairdressing.

“This facility will greatly benefit young people, especially those transitioning from secondary school before gaining admission into higher institutions. It will keep them meaningfully engaged while providing opportunities to earn income and sustain themselves,” she said.

She said the Club would cover the remuneration of instructors for the first six months.

She added that graduates of the programme would subsequently be encouraged to train other students, ensuring continuity of the initiative.

She further disclosed that the project approximately cost N60 million, including the building and the equipment, noting that a significant portion of the investment went into the solar power system designed to support all equipment in the vocational centre and power streetlights within the school premises.

On his part, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, described the initiative as a significant investment in youth empowerment and education.

According to him, the project reflects Rotary International’s commitment to developing young people beyond traditional classroom learning by providing opportunities to acquire practical and entrepreneurial skills.

While commending the Rotary Club of Ikeja for donating a solar-powered vocational training centre, Akinyele urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the centre and make full use of the opportunities it provides.

The Principal of Ikeja Junior High School, Mrs. Olushile Olukemi Oluyemi, described the donation as an investment in the future of the children, explaining that the centre would play a crucial role in supporting some students may not excel in traditional academic subjects since the school operates an inclusive education model, which caters to both regular and special needs learners.

The Principal, however, pledged that the management would ensure proper maintenance of the facility and effective utilisation of the equipment provided.