Joyce Onwuka
Philanthropists from Okerimi Oro community in Kwara State have initiated a massive intervention programme aimed at reshaping and promoting learning environment in community schools within the Oro Kingdom. The community’s Education and Vocational Committee, working in collaboration with key stakeholders recently launched a fund raising campaign to support infrastructure development in St. Peter’s Catholic Local Government Education Authority (L.G. E.A) Okerimi Oro, one of the oldest schools in Kwara State.
The school founded in 1942 has produced a number of professionals who have excelled in various areas of education and other fields of endeavor.
However, due to unsustainable interventions by previous Governments, the school once the pride of the State is currently lacking critical infrastructure to support learning needs of pupils.
To help improve pupils learning experiences and prepare them for the future, the Committee during the 82nd anniversary of the school, launched a fund raising campaign which attracted key dignitaries and Community leaders.
In her address at the occasion, Chairperson Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chief Mrs. Victoria Kehinde Afolayan, appreciated efforts of past teachers and staff that have contributed to the school’s rich legacy.
“Today, we gather to commemorate a remarkable milestone in the history of our beloved school. For more than eight decades, St. Peter’s Catholic LGEA Primary School, Okerimi Oro has been a beacon of knowledge and growth in the Community, shaping the minds of pupils”.
She, however said that looking around it is observed that the school buildings are gradually giving way, the fencing of the school need to be completed, some classrooms need renovations, many infrastructures need to be put in place, and indeed the entire school need to have a facelift.
While, she commended the State Government in helping to shape the schools history, she called on philanthropists and other Community stakeholders to donate generously for the total renovation of failing infrastructure in the school.
The school’s head teacher, Mrs. J. M Fabayo, commended the visionary founders of the school, and appreciated the Community for coming to the rescue of the school.
“We must to appreciate the education committee of Okerimi Oro for their active involvement to make the event a success “ Fabayo said.
She listed achievements of the school to include increase in students population, renovation of many classrooms, provision of well furnished ICT training facilities provided by the Kwara state Government under the administration of of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, construction of security post, toilets among others.
Mother of the day at the occasion, Mrs. Margaret Yemisi Izuora, commended the school’s management for sustaining learning opportunities for students and commitment to drive students to key into proper learning practice.
She called for sustained collaboration of Community based organizations, individuals and Government to ensure that clement learning environment is maintained in the school.
Mr. Adebayo Babalola, a community counselor who has committed energy in guidance and counseling in the Community called for a proactive counseling approach to improve learning and teach students proper morals to shape their future.
Babalola, whose programme, ‘The Miners Interface’ TMI, has provided leadership pathways to the Community said through the project, many students and Community children who had almost been lured into many societal vices have retraced their steps and embraced education and other meaningful community engagement.