In line with the Abia State Government’s “Reclaim Your Schools Initiative”, launched to encourage Alumni Associations of Schools to take ownership of their Alma Mater, the Holy Rosary Girls Secondary School (HOROSCO) Umuahia has witnessed the commissioning of its newly renovated kitchen.
The Project, spearheaded by the Old Girls Association, Class of 1987, also known as “The Amazons”, is expected to significantly enhance a more conducive environment and relieve the financial burden on the school and the State Government.
Speaking while Commissioning the Project, Friday, at the School premises, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukegbu lauded the gesture of philanthropy by the Old Girls Association Class of 1987, led by the President, Mrs Nkem Kanu.
Dr. Ukegbu commended the group for setting a commendable precedent for others to follow and urged other Alumni groups to replicate similar efforts in their Alma Mater.
Dr Chimezie Ukegbu
“A good thing is always good. This is a very good pace they have set for others to follow.
“Things like this should be replicated in other schools where you see the old boys, the old girls. The Alumni will alleviate the financial burden from the schools and even from government.
“This is expected of every Association to do and honestly I am very proud of the HOROSCO Old Girls Association 1987 set”,
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, commended the gesture and aligned it with the State Government’s “Reclaim Your Schools Initiative”.
Prince Okey Kanu
Prince Kanu emphasized that the “Reclaim Your School Initiative”, Launched last year by the State Government encourages Alumni Associations to take ownership of their schools and support the restoration of infrastructure and amenities.
“As a government, if you recall, sometime last year, we launched, the “Reclaim Your Schools Initiative”, to encourage the Alumni Associations of Schools to take ownership of their schools and help rebuild them in areas were the buildings are in a deplorable state.
“In areas where they lack amenities, they are supposed to help the schools get back on track. It is an initiative that we launched as a Government and that is what we’ve seen at play today in this Holy Rosary where the class of 1987 came together to renovate the schools kitchen”, Prince Kanu stated.
He further called on Alumni Associations across the state to draw inspiration from the Amazons and contribute to the betterment of their former schools.
In her speech, the National President, HOROSCO Old Girls Association Worldwide, Mrs. Grace Awosika represented by the General Secretary, Barr. Mrs Joy EJim highlighted the project’s transformative impact on the daily lives of the students and urged them to take ownership of the project.
Barr. Mrs Joy EJim
She noted that the space “will serve as a gathering point where students can learn the art of cooking, develop essential life skills, and create fond memories to carry with them long after they leave this place.
“The kitchen is more than just a functional space; it is a nurturing environment fostering growth, creativity, and camaraderie”.
Barr Ejim described the project as a symbol of community spirit and dedication to the school’s legacy and commended the Class of 1987, led by Mrs. Nkem Kanu, for their generosity and commitment to revitalizing a critical part of the school.
Earlier while handing over the newly renovated kitchen to their Alma Mater, the President Amazon Class of ’87, Mrs Nkem Kanu, underscored the Alumni’s commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped their formative years.
Mrs Kanu, represented by Mrs Blessing Okoronkwo, emphasized that the project is in fulfillment of a promise made during their December 2023 reunion to contribute to the school’s ongoing development.
She extended their gratitude to the school for the values, education, and friendships they gained and expressed hope that the kitchen would continue to nourish future generations, inspire them to excel and cultivate a spirit of togetherness.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the Staff and Students, the School Captain, Miss Sophia Chukwuemeka, expressed gratitude to the Amazon Class of ’87 for their contribution and promised tow their line as good Ambassadors of the school.
The Ambassador of Southern Sudan, Amb. Uche Ogbonna was present during the ceremony.
