With the vision of creating opportunities and changing lives,a non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Connak Foundation, has provided assistance to the School for the Blind,Umuahia
Connak Foundation which started in 2012, by Mr Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, was founded to combat the scourge of youth unemployment that has cast shadows of discord and idleness across local communities and as well, create a world where communities would be empowered.
During a visit to the Special Education Centre for the Blind in Afaraukwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, the Connak foundation commissioned solar-powered streetlights and a borehole, while also donating essential supplies, including bags of rice, beans, tubers of yam, groundnut oil, cartons of tin tomatoes, cartons of noodles, and medical aid to meet the daily needs of the school’s staff and students.
In his speech on behalf of the foundation, Barrister Ifeanyi Nnajiofor, explained that the foundation chose to assist the school due to its poor condition and the unique challenges it faces. He shared that their previous visit to the school had been distressing, which motivated their decision to return and address some of the school’s fundamental needs.
According to him,the foundation is inspired by the school’s resilience and dedication to learning, against all odds, stating that providing essential resources and infrastructure,would help improve their educational experience and as well, contribute to their overall well-being.
“Our donation of these food items and materials is to support your daily needs,while the solar-powered streetlights and borehole facility will help to improve the safety and sustainability of the school environment”,he said.
Barr Nnajiofor, however, encouraged the students to continue in reaching for the stars, allowing their curiosity guide them, embracing the power of knowledge. He said with dedication and hardwork they can overcome any challenge.
He also announced to the people of Abia that the Connak Foundation’s Children Christmas Funfair would be held from December 27th to 29th, 2024, as part of the foundation’s efforts to give back to the community.
In an interview, the Principal of the School, Mrs Onyeogaziri Bernadette Nnenna, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Connak Foundation for their donation of food items, which she said would significantly help sustain the school. She explained that the school had run out of supplies and was concerned about how they would continue feeding the students, as they provide meals three times a day.
While thanking Connak Foundation for their generosity, the Principal emphasized the need for further support, particularly from the government and urged that the school be included in the government’s monthly budget.
Mrs Onyeogaziri Bernadette Nnenna, Principal, School for the Blind, Umuahia
The Principal also highlighted the poor condition of the school’s infrastructure, noting that the roofs of their buildings were severely damaged and the dormitory floor was in disrepair. “The floor of our dormitory is in bad shape and needs to be tiled. The roofs are leaking and beyond repair; they need to be replaced,” she said.
She appealed to individuals and organizations to continue supporting the school and expressed her appreciation for the assistance the school had already received from the government, Connak Foundation, and other kind-hearted donors.
