The Hands of Solace Foundation has identified poor access to basic education and economic hardship as major challenges confronting primary school pupils in remote parts of Ogun State, pledging to work with the state government to address these gaps.
The foundation made this commitment in Oke Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area, after distributing school materials to more than 400 primary school pupils as part of its intervention aimed at strengthening foundational education.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Yewa South Local Government Education Authority in Ilaro, the foundation’s Spokesman, Mr. Segun Adekoya, said the initiative was designed to reduce the effect of poverty on children’s education and encourage parents to keep their wards in school.
According to Adekoya, the foundation’s findings revealed that many children in the area struggle to attend school regularly due to their parents’ inability to provide basic learning materials, a situation that negatively affects learning outcomes.
He disclosed that the organisation is already working towards acquiring acres of land in Oke Erinja to construct a standard primary school that will offer free education to children from low-income households.
“Primary education is the foundation of every child’s future, and when that foundation is weak, the consequences follow the child for life,” Adekoya said.
He explained that Hands of Solace Foundation comprises young Nigerians from diverse professional backgrounds who have chosen to channel their resources toward community development and social impact.
Adekoya noted that Yewa South Local Government was deliberately selected due to low parental engagement with education in the area, adding that the foundation believes sustained support and improved access to schooling can change long-standing attitudes.
He further revealed that plans are underway to establish both primary and secondary schools in the community to ensure continuity in learning for children.
“We are starting with learning materials, but our vision goes beyond that. We want to provide school buildings where children can learn in a safe and supportive environment, free of charge,” he added.
Responding, the Head of Department, Academic and School Services, Yewa South Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Ogunleye Adedoyin, commended the foundation for addressing issues often overlooked in rural education.
She observed that many pupils in the area lack basic necessities such as textbooks, uniforms, bags, and even chairs, forcing some children to carry their books in nylon bags, which are easily damaged during the rainy season.
Adedoyin acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Ogun State Government to improve school infrastructure but stressed that partnerships with non-governmental organisations are crucial to reaching remote communities.
She encouraged Hands of Solace Foundation to sustain its intervention and called on other philanthropists to support initiatives aimed at reducing educational inequality in rural Ogun State.
Also speaking, the Head Teacher of YSLG Primary School, Mrs. Popoola M.A., described the foundation’s support as a morale booster for pupils and teachers, noting that the intervention would motivate parents to take education more seriously.
Pupils and teachers from the beneficiary schools expressed appreciation and appealed to the foundation to continue its humanitarian efforts.
The Hands of Solace Foundation has also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, and philanthropists to support its education projects through the following accounts:
*Account Name:* Hands of Solace Foundation
*Bank Name:* Sterling Bank PLC
*Account Numbers:*
– 0122870544 (Naira Account)
– 0140542713 (USD Transfer)
– 0140542737 (Cash Deposit)
*USD Transfer Code:* NAMENGLA
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