By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
It was a day of joy and hope at Sedco Basic Primary School, Enerhen in Effurun, Uvwie local government area of Delta State as 110 pupils benefited from the Project 110 Back-to-School initiative of the Phoebe Sisters Foundation (PSF) also known as Bearers of Light.
The program, themed “Every Child Matters”, was designed to provide essential educational materials such as exercise books, pens, and stockings to children in rural schools, with the aim of easing the burden on parents and motivating pupils to pursue excellence in their studies.
Speaking at the event, the President of Phoebe Sisters Foundation, Mrs. Light Faith Omorige, said the initiative was born out of the organization’s vision to support less-privileged children and give them a fair opportunity at education.
“Children are the hands by which we reach the future. It doesn’t matter their background, they are destined for greatness. With this little token, we believe we have placed smiles on their faces and encouraged them to fulfill their destinies,” she said.
Before distributing the materials, the Foundation honored the headmaster of the school, Mr. Ernest Omobenerhovbo, with a symbolic decoration to recognize his leadership role in managing the school.
The Public Relations Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Grace Idehean, emphasized the need for government intervention in the school’s infrastructure.
“This school has no toilets for both children and teachers, and classrooms are inadequate. We call on the government to urgently look into this and provide more facilities,” she urged.
The Secretary of the Foundation, Mrs. Elo-Oghene Eriakpidia, described the gesture as long overdue, noting that Sedco Basic Primary School had never received such support from an NGO.
She added that the foundation’s broader mission includes supporting widows, mothers, and women in need.
In response, Headmaster Omobenerhovbo thanked the foundation, describing the donation as unprecedented in the history of the school.
“This is the first time we are witnessing such support from an NGO. It is wonderful and amazing. On behalf of the teachers and pupils, we say thank you,” he said.
Teachers of the school also expressed their gratitude but highlighted the urgent need for classrooms and conveniences. Mrs. Charity Ajueyitsi, a Basic 3 teacher, lamented that both teachers and pupils had no toilet facilities, forcing them to use nearby filling stations or banks.
“We need extra buildings, an office, and conveniences. We appeal to government and NGOs to come to our aid,” she said.
Pupils were equally excited. Uti Johnpraise, a Basic 5 pupil, said:
“I now have enough books. I really appreciate what they have done. I pray that God bless them and give them long life.”
Another pupil, Blessed Victor of Basic 6, prayed for more blessings upon the foundation:
“You will not lack money. God should give you all you need and cover you with the Blood of Jesus Christ.”
A local language teacher, Comrade Kingsley Bobbi, described the gesture as a relief to parents who often struggle to provide basic learning materials. He prayed that the project would expand beyond 110 pupils to reach 500 in the future.
The ceremony, which began with prayers and motivational songs, ended with the distribution of the learning materials, leaving pupils smiling and hopeful.