Foundation awards scholarships to 200 indigent children in Cross River

Scholarship
By Benson Ezugwu
Akpabuyo (Cross River), May 9, 2018 (NAN) The Bridge Foundation, an NGO, says it has identified 200 Indigent children in Akpabuyo and Bakassi Local Government Areas to benefit in its 2018 Scholarship Awards programme.

The Executive Secretary of the organisation, Mr Uchenna Achunine, said this on Wednesday while presenting the beneficiaries to the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo, His Royal Majesty Maurice Edet.

Achunine said that the beneficiaries were selected from Ikot Nakanda and Ikot Ene communities.

He said that children, 150 from Akpabuyo and 50 from Bakassi, were selected after a survey conducted in January in the two local government areas.

“We carried out survey research in the two local governments to identify children that are out of school because their parents could not cater for their educational needs.

“We also carried out a baseline study and we met with various stakeholders from the areas and this was how we arrived at the number. There was no political consideration at all.’’

Achunine said the beneficiaries were children who dropped out of primary and Junior Secondary School.

According to him, the foundation will organise refresher training for the beneficiaries before re-integrating them into the school system.

He said that the foundation would cater for the educational needs of the children beginning from September 2018, until they complete their studies.

Responding, the paramount ruler, described the scholarship as a surprise gift to the people of his kingdom.

He said that his council members would do everything possible to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

“I thank the Bridge Foundation for this gesture. Initially, we did not take it serious but now that it is becoming a reality, we are happy.

“I assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure that the children return to school.’’

He urged governments at all levels to make education totally free, especially at the grassroots.

A parent of two beneficiaries, Mrs Antigha Okon said she was excited to have her two children enrolled in the programme.

“I thank God; I did not see it as a reality until now. I am happy,’’ Okon said.

NAN recalls that the foundation last year awarded N50,000 scholarship to each of the 100 best secondary school students across the state. (NAN)
BEN/BOLA/NKO
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Nkechi Okoronkwo