By Olusegun Obisanya
Students of Ikeja Junior High School were filled with nostalgia at the commissioning of a fully constructed Vocational Training Building donated to the school by the Rotary Club of Ikeja. The school falls within the state’s Education District VI.
The commissioning of the structure, which cost an estimated N40m was carried out by the Chairman of Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, together with the District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi and handed over to the Ministry of Basic Education, Lagos State Government.
The President, Rotary Club of Ikeja said the project was aimed at empowering the students in the school with skills such as barbing, shoemaking, hairdressing, sewing, among others.
“If you give a man fish or bread, you have only fed him for that one time. But if you teach him how to fish or how to bake bread, then he will feed himself for life.
“So, what we believe we should do is to empower these children, moreso as a lot of them are from backgrounds that are not very rich.
“So, we believe that if they learn all these skills, they would not need so much money to start that particular business they are interested in when they leave school and they can easily start anywhere,” he said.
The President added that the project was embarked upon on the knowledge that the Lagos State government has plan to introduce vocational training into education school curriculum and that the club got approval from the ministry to embark on the project.
He also remarked that the club saw the need for the students’ behavioral modification which has led to the commencement of psychotherapy program for them.
He assured that the vocational building will be equipped by Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, Jamiu Balogun, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, Lagos State, Abisola Adegbite said the project marked another milestone, particularly in advancing the noble goals of the esteemed club.
“The club’s outstanding efforts to serve the community, especially through your corporate social responsibility initiative, driven by a blueprint for excellence and a spirit of generosity, are truly appreciated.
“I am honoured to be part of this movement, and would on behalf of the Lagos State Government, extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Rotary Club of Ikeja District 9111, for entrusting us with this initiative, and generously supporting Ikeja Junior High School as the building will undoubtedly enrich lives and enhance future of our students. Your commitment to providing students with alternative skills and training in other occupations and all trades is truly commendable.
“This initiative will primarily equip students with practical skills, knowledge and competencies required for employment in other specific industry or fields, and will no doubt have ripple effect on our community, as it inspires learning hands-on, training, apprenticeship and internship, that prepares students for enduring careers in areas such as technical fields and skilled trades” he said.
The Commissioner looks forward to future collaborations, especially in the areas of infrastructural development, educational resources, health and wellness programs, community outreach and engagement initiatives and promised proper maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.
The District Governor, District 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi described the project of the number one club in the District as beyond expectation which he said falls under Basic Education and Literacy, one of the seven areas of focus of Rotary International as well as project for creating a good environment.
Osunkeye committed the project to the students, which according to him, would improve their skills and be used to fend for themselves in future.
Speaking, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 6, Mrs. Mojisola Yusuf at the event said the project will promote self-reliance and the spirit of entrepreneurship that students are done with are done with their secondary education, they would have become professionals.
The School Principal, Ayo Quadri, appreciated the club and promised good use of the project.
