Foundation Partners Bridge Nigeria, Awards Scholarship to Less priviledged Children
The Special Foundation (TSF), a privately funded social impact organisation, has partnered with Bridge Nigeria to award full scholarships to children from economically disadvantaged communities, as part of efforts to improve the quality of leadership in Africa, through improved access to education.
Already, 10 pupils of Bridge International Academies have received full scholarships for their primary and post-primary education. The scholarship opportunity will be extended to more children in the coming terms.
Speaking at the scholarship signing ceremony, held recently at a Bridge Academy in Ifako Ijaiye, Seyi Akinwale, founder, The Special Foundation, acknowledged the pivotal role education plays in the development of nations and disclosed that the decision to set up the Foundation was informed by the need to build Africa’s next set of leaders, by refining their minds through education.
According to him, “The inspire scholarship is targeted at orphaned and vulnerable children in disadvantaged communities. We provide tuition, including the cost of books and other materials to children in primary and secondary schools. Bridge Nigeria is one of our partner organisations for our education intervention programs. “
He added that, “we decided to partner with Bridge because their mission of providing quality education to children from low-income families aligns closely with our goal. We intend broadening the partnership with Bridge and furthering the impact of their work, while ensuring the sustainability of same.”
In her remarks, the Managing Director, Bridge Nigeria, Foyinsola Akinjayeju, said it believes that a child’s potential should not be limited by his or her socio-economic status, hence, the support for low income families through the access it provides to life changing education through collaboration with the foundation.
“If there is anybody or organisation seeking to make a real impact, there is no better place to invest than in the lives of children who are the future of any nation.”
She commended the foundation for its impact on the lives of less privileged children through scholarship and mentorship programmes, while expressing optimism that the TSF-Bridge partnership will hopefully lead to more collaborations and opportunities for additional beneficiaries from Bridge.
Parents of the beneficiaries who were in attendance, expressed excitement about the scholarship, while commending TSF and Bridge for the initiative.
Mrs. Victoria Stanley who is visually impaired described the scholarship for her children, Chidera and Prudence, as a huge relief for her family.
“We could not contain our joy when we received a call from Bridge, informing us of Chidera and Prudence’s scholarship. Eith their scholarship up till secondary school, we don’t have to worry about their academic pursuits because our prayers have partly been answered. All we need to do is to save towards their university education and I believe they both will achieve their dreams.”
