As part of its ongoing commitment to expanding access to quality education for disadvantaged children, the Grassroots Access to Empowerment Foundation (GATE) conducted a project visit to St. Joseph Catholic Parish/Mark Unegbu Memorial School, Awarra, located in Ohaji Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
Engr. Dr. Chigozie Offurum, the foundation’s chairman of the board, led the foundation’s delegation, accompanied by Ms. Tessy Don-Oguzie, the foundation’s secretary. They represented the foundation’s founder and president, Rev. Chima Offurum, PhD, whose vision continues to drive GATE’s mission of empowering underserved communities through education, healthcare, and sustainable development initiatives.
Upon arrival, the delegation received a warm welcome from the Parish Priest, Rev. B. Nnajiemere, the Dean of the School, members of the teaching staff, and students. The visit provided an opportunity to interact with the school community, reaffirm the foundation’s commitment to educational empowerment, and witness firsthand the impact donor support continues to have on young learners’ lives.
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year and look to support students in their educational journeys, a key highlight of our recent visit was the formal presentation of a cheque (check) to the school management. This cheque (check) will cover the tuition fees for sixty-five (65) students who are approaching their promotion examinations. Below is a picture of a cross-section of beneficiaries, along with some staff members, parents, and two members of the Board of Trustees. This intervention is intended to remove financial barriers to education, enable the beneficiaries to continue their academic pursuits, and promote equal educational opportunities for children from economically disadvantaged families.
The foundation expresses its profound appreciation to its president, partners, and donors whose generosity made the educational intervention possible. Their continued commitment demonstrates the transformative impact of collective compassion and investment in the future of children and their communities.
