Back-to-school: Senator Fointama Hilda supports vulnerable children in Bum.

The support in form of didactics were handed to the beneficiaries including orphans, children with disabilities and those from very poor backgrounds, during a ceremony in Fonfuka on Friday, September 27.

It was within the framework of her campaign dubbed: “Step Up, Stand Out: Back To School September 2024”. The selected children received school bags, exercise books, ledgers, pens, pencils, rulers among others. The distribution of the didactics was coordinated by Alternate Senator, Nuh Esther. 

In her message which was delivered on the occasion by her Alternate, Senator Fointama Hilda, quoted American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, John Dewey as saying: “Education is not the preparation of life, education is life itself”.

In this light, she said despising education is despising life itself.  While stating that “we are here today to promote the education of every child and adult seeking self-improvement”, the lawmaker stressed that “the nurses, midwives, doctors, teachers, engineers, accountants, politicians our community produces will determine to what level we solve the family, social, health and economic problems plaguing the community”.

Senator Fointama warned that any family, community, and country that denies itself of good education is headed for a crash. She then went on to caution the population of Bum not to fall into this group.

“Schooling helps children and adults develop creatively and emotionally and acquire skills, knowledge, values and attitudes necessary for responsible, active and productive citizenship,” she said. 

The lawmaker thus enjoined all the stakeholders, including parents, religious and traditional leaders, political leaders and administrators to encourage children

Speaking to reporters after the donation, Alternate Senator, Nuh Esther recalled that Senator Fointama had when she was taking office pledged to prioritise education. 

“…she has proven it by providing these kits to encourage our children to go back to school. She has promised to continue to encouraging them, she has urged them to take their studies seriously,” Nuh said. 

Bum DO salutes initiative

Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Officer, DO, of Bum, Tumasang Walters, said the offer of school equipment to the vulnerable children within Fonfuka and environs by the Senator is a great gesture.

“This gesture is coming after a long period of absence of our parliamentary representatives whom we have not seen over the years. She has shown that she has the people of Bum at heart and we appreciate this. It will go along way to alleviate the plight of many our children who couldn’t afford their exercise books, bags and other school needs,” the administrator said.

He expressed the wish to see the Senator support more initiatives in the Subdivision.

“As Oliver Twist, we are still looking forward to see her come again on many other occasions, not only for school children but also to commune with the entire population,” Tumasang said.

On his part, the Second Deputy Mayor of Fonfuka Council, Idi Umaru, was also full of praises for the Senator, for complementing what they are doing on the ground to encourage education in the municipality.

“We appreciate her effort very sincerely for supporting education in Bum. For the children, whatever you receive here today, make good use of it because it will help you to study well. This will also help your parents,” Idi Umaru said.

The Inspector of Basic Education for Bum Subdivision, George Shey Kimbi, explained that the distribution of the didactics in Fonfuka was just the first phase, with similar exercises to be carried out in Kimbi, Konene South and Buabua.

The beneficiaries expressed words of appreciation to their benefactor and promised to put the school kits to good use. 

The donation in Bum Subdivision at the start of the current academic year, comes after a similar gesture by Senator Fointama Hilda in Fundong last academic year. 

She donated didactics to children as well as benches to some schools in the chief town of Boyo Division.  

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3246 of Tuesday October 01, 2024