W-LIT Community Development Initiative has distributed educational materials to about 70 children from low-income and marginalized homes in Orisunbare, Ayobo, Lagos, as part of efforts to make education more accessible.
The stationery items, which included exercise books, pens, pencils, and socks, were handed over on October 1 during a parent-child dialogue meeting themed “Education is Investment”. The event brought together education stakeholders, community leaders, parents, and children.
The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families who struggle to afford basic school supplies at the start of the term while encouraging parents to take greater ownership of their children’s education.
Olajumoke Sanni, programme moderator representing Olanike Mac-Taiwo, Executive Director of W-LIT Community Development Initiative, explained that the programme was designed to address education gap in Ayobo.
She stressed that education goes beyond the provision of materials, noting that parents must actively support their children’s academic progress and moral development.
“Parents must take ownership and responsibility to ensure their children not only succeed academically but also grow into moral leaders and builders of a better nation,” Sanni said.
She urged parents to monitor their children’s studies closely, check their books regularly, and remain fully involved in their upbringing.
Mrs. Ajakaye Roseline Momo, a retired teacher with over 21 years of experience, counsellor, and businesswoman, reinforced the need for strong parental involvement.
She said parents should work hand-in-hand with teachers rather than limiting their role to the payment of school fees.
“Teachers are number one in the world and deserve immense appreciation,” she said, while encouraging parents to follow up on their children’s academic, psychological, and emotional development.
Mrs. Momo also called on the government and society to support families by providing basic educational needs such as stationery, uniforms, and accessible schooling.
Stella Olubunmi Francis, State Coordinator of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Lagos State Chapter, commended W-LIT for contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks inclusive and quality education for all by 2030.
Other speakers highlighted the link between education and economic empowerment. Patience Igbadia, CEO of ShopSow Nigeria, spoke on combining formal education with entrepreneurship. Drawing from her experience of starting a bead-making business as a teenager, she advised young people to develop practical skills alongside their studies.
Ms Gloria Olawatosin Olanrewaju, a data analyst and fashion designer, also emphasised the importance of equipping children with practical skills, including technical and artisan abilities, to promote financial independence.
Beyond the stationery distribution and dialogue, W-LIT Community Development Initiative supports women, single mothers, and widows through vocational training. Its “Edu Project” has also successfully enrolled street children into private primary and secondary schools.
