Parents Plead for Land Support as Martha’s Dream Academy Celebrates Milestone
Martha’s Dream Academy, an NGO-run, tuition-free school in Umuzam-Ekenobizi, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Friday July 11, 2025 held its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating not only another academic year completed but also the incredible journey of its first-ever set of pioneer students now heading for university.
While the mood was celebratory, the school leadership used the occasion to sound a clear alarm about urgent issues threatening the school’s survival, even as it continues to serve hundreds of children who would otherwise be denied education.
Speaking at the event, Head Teacher Miss Florence Nneoma Obi expressed both gratitude and concern. Though the school has held graduation ceremonies annually, this year was particularly symbolic as it marked the transition of its first full cohort from primary school through secondary school, with many having just completed their WAEC and NECO exams.
“Since our humble beginning in February 2017, we have not recorded a single failure in external examinations,” Miss Obi announced proudly. “But while we celebrate these academic triumphs, we must confront the reality of our ongoing challenges.”
Miss Obi paid special tribute to the international sponsors whose consistent support has sustained the school. These include: Michael Statter, Mercy Statter, Luca Canal, Jason Statter, Sergio Caramiel, Michelle Desstro, Gaiah Pilan, Michelle Volpe, Alberto Buratti, and Maltide da Maso. “Because of your generosity and belief in the power of education, children who once had little or no hope now dream again,” she said.
The school currently operates from a temporary structure that has attracted concern from the Abia State Ministry of Education. Were it not a free-tuition NGO, the school might have faced closure over the lack of a permanent and approved site.
“We urgently need land and a proper structure,” Miss Obi pleaded. “Without intervention, we cannot continue to provide the kind of safe, inspiring environment these children deserve.”
Another major hurdle is transportation. Many pupils trek long distances to attend school daily. The Head Teacher called for the donation of a school bus to ease this burden and serve as a mobile advertisement for the school’s mission.
Feeding is yet another pressing issue. Several children arrive at school without having eaten, which significantly hampers learning. The academy, which previously ran a feeding scheme, hopes to reinstate it with the help of donors.
In a heartfelt address, Miss Princess Emmanuel, one of the pioneer students now set to enter university, described the school as a life-transforming place.
“This school gave us more than just education. It gave us hope and a future,” she said. “The path wasn’t always easy, but your kindness and belief in us pushed us to succeed.”
The Basic Six Head Prefect, Miss Rejoice Chidiebere, also shared her excitement and gratitude. She thanked the teachers, sponsors, and parents for the support that has brought them this far.
Mrs. Onyinyechi Egwu, a mother of one of the pupils, passionately appealed to the Umuzam-Ekenobizi community to provide land for the academy.
“My child could barely read or write before coming here. Now he writes perfectly. The teachers are exceptional,” she said. “This school is a gift to the community. It needs our support.”
Another parent, Mrs. Victoria Nnaji, who has six children enrolled at the school, echoed this call.
“We need a permanent site. This school has become a light to our children and the entire community,” she added, also offering prayers for the school’s coordinators and international sponsors.
Martha’s Dream Academy represents more than a school, it is a social movement that brings quality education to children who would otherwise be left behind.
If the community, government, and global partners rally together, the academy’s mission can be expanded and sustained, potentially becoming a model for grassroots education transformation across Nigeria and beyond. The story of these young graduates is one of hope, resilience, and the incredible power of collective effort to change lives.
Despite the challenges, the ceremony was filled with vibrant performances, debates, cultural dances, fashion parade, choreography, and presentations by pupils from Basic One to Four. The crowning of the King and Queen of the graduation added a symbolic touch of pride to the occasion.
