An Education Specialist, a Philanthropist and Founder Access 1st Project Inc, a United States based Non-Profit Organization and HABICS Education Services Limited, Dr. Amaka Stephanie Ngene , Friday, October 17, , celebrated the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child with the Students of Girls Secondary School, Akagbe-Ugwu, in Enugu South Local Government area of Enugu state, announcing scholarship to SSS 3 Students among other empowerments .
Speaking at the colorful event held at the school hall, Dr Ngene said the celebration was an annual event organised for the school by Access Ist project .Inc and HABICS Education Services Limited She disclosed that the event was the Fifth edition they had organized, saying, the gathering was “to empower the future leaders, innovators and to remind them about the transformative power of education.”
Pix-: The Philanthropist, Dr. Ngene
Dr. Ngene who was the immediate past member 1 of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board ( ENSUBEB) and currently, the chairman of the Science Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board( STVSMB),in Enugu state, said, God has given her the grace to touch lives and empower the students to help the girls realize their full potentials
Centering her speech on the Theme of the event,” Girls’ Vision For the Future” , ,Dr. Ngene advised the students/Girl- Child to” dream big, achieve bigger and have a vision for success, express their vision, thoughts , share their voices and inspire others.
She noted that the State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah loves the girl- child and has invested hugely in education. She advised the students to take their studies seriously, stressing that education will empower them and make stand out in the society.
“Education is your right not a privilege. If you can get up and go to school, tell other girls who are not in school to go to school. Your voice matters. .Lift others up . Try to help your classmates,” Dr. Ngene said.
The Education Specialist who won the US President’s Volunteer Service Award for making a difference in her community, informed the students that Governor Mbah was trying to declare free education in Technical schools. She said that ,”a Technical school is where you learn a skill , write the West African School Certificate Examinations and earn a living after graduation”.
She spoke on the 260 SMART schools being constructed across the 260 political wards of the state by the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, saying , “by next year , the SMART school ,Akagbe Ugwu will be ready and you go there to study and you can compete with any child across the World.”
Commending the teachers for their efforts in the training of the students, the STVSMB Chairman said, “Your commitment is evident in this children. We are expecting increased access to education.”. She advised teachers to encourage team work and not to talk down on students .
“Teach your girls, be patient with them”, she admonished teachers.
Announcing her packages , Dr. Ngene said SSS 3 students will benefit from this year’s scholarships. Her words, , ” Be hopeful that somebody will provide your WAEC, JAMB. If you don’t go to school ,you will miss out”, She expressed optimism that there will be funds to increase the number of the beneficiaries in the future .
In an interview, Dr Ngene narrated how she came up with the idea of celebrating the International Day of the Girl-Child and award of scholarship to the students of the school.
She said hundreds of students had benefitted from the program and she hoped to increase the number of beneficiaries once there’s fund ,
The Philanthropist thanked her father ( Mr Ngene of the blessed memory) whom she said, trained all his female children in the University.,adding that she was giving back to the society, what the society had given to her.
Pix-: Dr Chukwu Onuoha
In her Goodwill message,, the State Project Coordinator of Adolescents Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, Ambassador Dr. Ebele Chukwu Onuoha advised the students to focus on their studies and collaborate with themselves
She urged the students to always read ahead of their teachers, have a study group and respect one another.
Pix-: Dr. Chukwu Onuoha(2nd L)
Dr. Onuoha, who was recently made the Ambassador of Girl- Child by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Abuja, advised the students not to allow anyone molest them or enslave them, saying, ” no man should enslave you. Be your sisters’keeper. It’s a team work,.” She assured partnership with with Dr. Ngene.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Principal of the school , Mrs Ifeoma Ezeh, , said Dr Ngene initiated the celebration of the International Day of the Girl- child program in the school ,Five years ago and had awarded scholarship to many people, She added that Dr. Ngene also attracted many projects to tbe school. She commended her for her contributions to the growth of the school and the student
Pix: The Principal , Mrs Ezeh
The students who spoke with Newsline Global thanked Dr Ngene for her benevolence.. They promised to do their best in school and that they will not take it for granted.
Highlights of the event were drama presentation, cultural dance, debate and , presentation of songs
Pix: Senior Prefect
Dr Ngene donated sanitary pads, drinks and snacks to the students and teachers. It was indeed very memorable.
Pix- From L -Right Dr Ngene, Dr Chukwu Onuoha and Mrs Ezeh
October 11 was set aside by the United Nations as the International Day of the Girl- Child .The day is celebrated any day in the month of October.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama