For students and persons with special needs at the Lens Foundation and Special Needs School in Rumuokwurusi, Obio/Akpor Local Council of Rivers State, a recent intervention by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has brought renewed hope and support.

PENGASSAN donated materials to the institution as part of its efforts to improve the welfare and learning experience of persons living with special needs and to promote greater inclusion in society.

The association’s National Treasurer, David Owan, who led members of the PENGASSAN board and other officials to the school, said the intervention was driven by the need to support vulnerable groups and remind them that they remain valuable members of society.

Addressing the students and members of the school community, Owan encouraged persons living with special needs to remain confident in their abilities, develop their talents and pursue their aspirations despite the challenges they may face.

He stressed that physical challenges should not prevent anyone from making meaningful contributions to society, noting that every individual has a role to play in nation-building.

Owan said the donation was part of PENGASSAN’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and its determination to extend its interventions beyond the petroleum and natural gas industry to communities and vulnerable groups.

Representatives of the Lens Foundation and Special Needs School expressed appreciation to PENGASSAN for the gesture, saying the materials would contribute to the welfare of the beneficiaries and enhance their learning experience.

They noted that support from individuals, organisations and corporate bodies remained important in creating a more enabling environment for persons with special needs to learn, develop their abilities and become more independent.

The school intervention formed part of PENGASSAN’s community development initiatives, which also included the donation of a 750KVA transformer to Okerewa Community in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area, to address its longstanding electricity challenges.

Through the interventions, the association said it was seeking to promote social inclusion, improve living conditions and provide practical support to communities and people in need.