By Sylvia Akpan
Despite existing laws and policies promoting free and compulsory basic education in Cross River, a nongovernmental organization, the Atycare Initiative last week donated learning materials and paid fees to no fewer than 170 pupils at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) primary school in Ikot Ishie, Calabar.
The organization’s executive director, Atim ESO said they partnered with Lala and Nugi technologies to distribute educational resources to the pupils in a bid to show concern for the vulnerable and to demonstrate that every child deserves the best start in life.
The outreach is tagged “Project Impact of 5000 School Children,” and this is the second of the year.
14 pairs of sandals, 15 school bags, 4 packets of pencils, 14 dozen books and 50 pieces of sharpeners were donated.
Two pupils, Gift Ime Isaac and Goodness Samuel Effiong were given extra exercise books for being able to mention the name of the organization as well as that of the executive director.
Also, the fees of some pupils were paid despite existing legislation and policies that makes free and compulsory, basic education in the State.
It will be recalled that a coalition wrote the Cross River House of Assembly asking for the invitation of the State’s commissioner for quality education, Ebunshua Amanke and the ministry’s management team over the extortion of pupils.
However, the Assistant Headmistress, Mrs. Roselyn Sunday Okon, received the items and fees while commending the organization for it’s gesture.
“Looking at the situation of things, a lot of children have needs such as uniform challenges, sandals and I have no power to do it,” she said, adding that: “We have been praying for favour and God brought Atycare Initiative to answer our prayers.”
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