On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Smile Educational Foundation, a dedicated non-profit organization, made a significant impact in the Bafut community by distributing essential didactic materials to vulnerable pupils from local schools at Nsoh Squares.
The event attracted pupils and parents from various villages in Bafut, all eager to receive the supplies that will aid their educational pursuits. This initiative highlights the foundation's ongoing commitment to improving educational access and quality in the region.
The distribution ceremony was chaired by is founder, who is the current WCPDM Section president of Mezam IV, Lum Chesi Miriam Njibamum, the first deputy mayor of the Bafut municipal council. Their participation did not only underscore the event's significance but also emphasized the role of community leadership in supporting local educational initiatives. Chesi Miriam remarked, "It is our collective responsibility to uplift our youth, and today we are continuing what we started last year which saw about 200 pupils who received the didactic materials." Chesi Miriam told The Observer.
Initially projected to target 13 primary schools, the initiative expanded to 19 schools, demonstrating the growing need for support in the community. Over 300 pupils received essential supplies, including books, pens, pencils, rulers, backpacks, and textbooks in Mathematics, English, and French. Additionally, the schools benefited from resources such as chalk, charts, and readers, which are crucial for effective teaching. Chesi Miriam noted, "Our mission is to ensure that every pupil has the tools they need to succeed, especially those who are most vulnerable."
The initiative comes at a challenging time for pupils in the North West region, which is currently experiencing an imposed lockdown aimed at disrupting the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. Many families face uncertainty regarding their children’s education, and the Smile Educational Foundation's efforts provide a much-needed source of hope. "Even in difficult times, we must prioritize our children's education," Chesi Miriam emphasized, reinforcing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Teachers from the participating schools played a crucial role in identifying the most vulnerable pupils who would benefit from the didactic materials. Their insights ensured that the donations reached those who needed them most, allowing for a more comfortable back-to-school start. Community members expressed their gratitude for the foundation’s support, recognizing the positive impact of such initiatives on the local educational landscape. The Smile Educational Foundation's dedication to empowering education serves as a reminder that collective efforts can create meaningful change, paving the way for a brighter future for the pupils of Bafut.
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