Emma Elekwa
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor through the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Awka Diocese has paid tuition fees of 84 indigent students across schools and denominations in Anambra State.
The gesture totalling N12,600,000 million was offered in collaboration with the Help For All (HIFA) Initiative, Austria, a Non-Governmental Organization.
Presenting the cheques at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Bishop urged the beneficiaries to work harder in their academic pursuit and be resolute in their quest for a better and a greater future.
The Prelate, represented by Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi accompanied by the Education Secretary of Catholic Diocese of Awka, Rev Fr Maximus Okonkwo noted that the only meaningful and fastest way they could achieve greatness and attained their full potentials was through access to quality education.
“Take your studies seriously, maintain good conduct and guard against distractions and anything that will deny you the opportunity of enjoying the largesse as well as losing focus.
Importance of education
“Without education, you may not get to that height you so desired. Only hardworking students will continue to enjoy the payment package while the unserious ones will be dropped,” he said.
Executive Director of JDPC, Awka Diocese and the Chairman Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev Fr Levi Ukor said they worked in partnership with HIFA Austria, formed and funded by retired teachers in Austria.
“The sponsors are interested in your results; your performance and reports from the school authority. These are the things encouraging the sponsors to increase the money instead of the usual N125,000 they give to each student.
Appreciating Ezeokafor for acknowledging the need to assist the indigents in securing their future through continuous education, Ukor described the gesture as long-standing project.
“The NGO only moved further by increasing the fund closer to N13 million in recognition of the nation’s economic situation. N150,000 was given to each of the students,” he hinted.
JDPC boss further cautioned parents to make judicious use of the fund, just as he challenged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by improving their academic excellence.
His words: “We scout for indigent students yearly after which the lucky ones will be thorough investigated to ascertain all facts before compiling and submitting their names to HIFA Austria for onward release of funds.
Construction of schools
“We also engage in building and renovation of schools, hospitals as well as provision of transportation to ease the stress and hardship due to lack of adequate vehicles.
“We equally pay for medical bills of the destitute and also train them on many skills acquisitions. Many indigent students and gifted children have been saved and empowered through the Initiative.
“HIFA Austria is already in 6 states in Nigeria and has been carrying out humanitarian services in Anambra and Nigeria.”
The students drawn from different schools and denominations in Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ozubulu, Ihiala, Ekwuluobi and Orumba, among others were selected through applications submitted during JDPC monthly meetings.
The visibly excited beneficiaries appreciated the bishop for his kind gesture, pledging to improve in their academics to be shining lights to others.
Highlights of the events included presentation of cash to parents of the beneficiaries and group photographs.
