Jaruskincare’s Initiative Brings Hope to Agoda Alara Primary School

Adedayo Akinwale

Jaruskincare, a leading female-owned cosmetics brand in Nigeria, has embarked on “One Child One Dream” initiative aimed at providing vulnerable students with essential learning materials and a message of hope.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Chioma Anozie, made this known when she visited Agoda Alara Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos.

She explained that the initiative was designed to address the systemic barriers that prevent children from low-income families from accessing quality education.

During the visit, each pupil received a gift bag filled with notebooks, pencils, pens, sharpeners, erasers, juice, snacks, and a whole lot of love.

Anozie stated: “The inspiration comes from my own experiences growing up and witnessing the struggles that children from low-income families face when trying to access quality education,” she said.

“Education is the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of poverty. Many children have dreams but lack the resources and support to realize them. With this initiative, we want to provide not just material support, but also hope, mentorship, and the belief that their dreams are valid and achievable.”

“We’re building partnerships with like-minded organizations, creating a dedicated fund, and launching fundraising campaigns to ensure sustainability. We’re committed to seeing this project through because we believe it can truly change lives.”

Anozie added that the initiative aligned with the core values of Jaruskincare as a brand.

According to her, At Jaruskincare, we believe in nurturing potential, whether through our products or the lives we touch. One Child One Dream is our way of investing in the future generation, helping them grow and blossom into confident, educated individuals who can create meaningful change in their communities.

On her part, Aluko Elizabeth, a teacher and the school counselor at Agoda Alara Primary School, shed light on the harsh realities faced by the students.

She noted: “Eighty per cent of our pupils are from less privileged backgrounds. Many come to school hungry, with no money for food. Some even complain of stomach pains because they haven’t eaten. We try to help by providing money for food when we can, but it’s not enough.”

“The challenges extend beyond hunger. Many students attend school in tattered uniforms, without books or even school bags. I’ve had to use my own money to buy books for some of them.

“In the Igbo-ogede community, some children don’t go to school at all because their parents can’t afford the registration fees. I’ve personally paid many of them because I feel so much compassion for these children.

“The school, which has close to 800 pupils, also struggles with inadequate infrastructure. Most of our students don’t have desks, tables, or chairs. Some sit on the floor to learn.”

Despite these challenges, she emphasised that many of the students are brilliant and eager to learn.