In many rural communities, educational opportunities during school breaks are limited, leaving students with little academic engagement and support. This lack of structured learning can lead to a decline in students’ knowledge retention and skill potentially widening the educational gap.
Recognizing this challenge, the Queen Luciano Foundation (QLF) took practical steps in August, 2024 by partnering with Divine mercy pilgrimage centre, also known as St. Lucy Catholic Church School, in Benin City. Through these collaborations, the Foundation provided crucial holiday lessons that not only reinforced academic knowledge but also nurtured the students’ overall development, ensuring they remained engaged and motivated throughout the break.
A Collaborative Effort at Divine Mercy Pilgrimage Centre/St. Lucy Catholic Church School
For its August project, the Queen Luciano Foundation team made two significant visits to St. Lucy Catholic Church School, located in Ihenisi village, off Ugoneki community, Benin City. Both visits were met with warm receptions from the students, teachers, and the resident priests. They expressed their immense gratitude for the Foundation’s involvement in their holiday summer camp.
On their first visit, the QLF team arrived at the community in the morning where they were welcomed by the students and priests. The day’s educational activities kicked off with a lesson on Agricultural Science, by the Admin Secretary of the foundation.
The students engaged actively in the lesson, which was followed by a test to assess their understanding. This was followed by an English Language session led by the Marketing Associate. She not only taught but also tested the students on their comprehension skills. The General Manager then took over to teach Mathematics, challenging the students with practical problem-solving tasks.
Finally, one of the notable.volunteer of the foundation, Mr Agbonlahor, provided an insightful history lesson, rounding off the academic sessions with a test to reinforce the material covered.
After the day’s lesson, the students’ test results were marked on an aggregate of 400 percentiles, and the top three performers were recognized for their excellence. Gift Ojobor, who was the best among them all, was awarded a Mathematics textbook and a notebook, symbolising the Foundation’s commitment to education and rewarding academic excellence.
The rest of the students were given some notebooks as a way of rendering support to their academic pursuits.
After the intense academic sessions, the day transitioned into a more relaxed atmosphere with a series of games. Accompanied by subtle background music, the students, along with the QLF staff and volunteers, enjoyed the recreational activities.
The winner of the games was presented with gift items, further adding to the day’s joy. In a touching gesture of appreciation, the Rev. Father presented the QLF team with plantains, drinks, biscuits, and pawpaw, expressing the community’s gratitude using free gifts of nature.
Second Visit: Reinforcing Educational Impact
The QLF team’s commitment to supporting the educational development of the students at St. Lucy Catholic church school, was further demonstrated during their second visit. Arriving at the community in the morning, the team was again warmly received by Reverend Father Ameh Emmanuel and the eager students.
The second day’s educational activities mirrored the structure of the first visit but included new elements to further enrich the students’ learning experience. The administrative Secretary, Glory, began the teaching sessions with another comprehensive lesson in Agricultural Science, integrating practical examples to Improve the students’ understanding. Following this, the Associate Marketer, Miss Stella, delivered a detailed lesson on English Language, focusing on improving the students’ comprehension and pronunciation skills.
The General Manager, Joseph, then engaged the students with a Mathematics lesson, providing practical strategies to solve mathematical problems with greater confidence. Volunteer Mr. Agbons concluded the academic sessions with a lesson on Current Affairs, offering the students valuable insights into Nigeria’s history.
Once again, the Reverend Father and the students expressed their appreciation for the Foundation’s efforts. Moreover, the students, in another heartwarming display of gratitude, presented the QLF team with plantains, pawpaw, biscuits, wine, and malt. The Reverend Father explained that the fruits were gathered by the children themselves as a token of their appreciation, underscoring the deep connection and impact the Foundation’s visits had on the community.
Strengthening Community Bonds Through Education
The August collaborations between Queen Luciano Foundation and Divine Mercy Pilgrimage Centre/St. Lucy Catholic Church School were more than just educational outreach. They were a testament to the power of community service, education, and acts of kindness. By engaging with the students, sharing knowledge, and participating in their day-to-day activities, the Queen Luciano Foundation team not only enhanced the students’ academic skills but also left a lasting impression on the community. The warm reception and heartfelt appreciation from the students, priests, and teachers highlighted the success of these initiatives. As the Foundation continues its mission to empower communities through education, such collaborations serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that dedicated educational support can have on young minds.
