EDTF IN COLLABORATION WITH ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CLUB INAUGURATES WATER PROJECTS IN GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL, TUNGBO.
The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) in partnership with Rotary International Club of Yenagoa, District 9141, has inaugurated a nine (9) thousand litres water project Project in Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Tungbo as part of effort towards the provision of quality education in the State.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the school’s premises in Tungbo Community, Sagbama Local Government Area of the State, the Executive Secretary, EDTF, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo said, the inauguration ceremony of the project marks a significant milestone in the history of EDTF as it strives toward providing an improved and sustainable education. According to her, the completion of the Water Project was a testament of the Trust Fund’s desire to place an indelible mark in the educational Sector through collaborative efforts with Rotary International Club of Yenagoa noting that, the venture was beyond ordinary development of infrastructures but, was a symbol of hope and reminder of the collective goals that would lead to the betterment of the lives of the people. Dr. Atuwo further explained that the establishment of the project was not aimed at the quality of water alone but to provide preventive measures against the prevailing cholera outbreak which poses great danger to the school children and corps members deployed to the school. She also urged the beneficiaries to make best use of the project as well as appealed with the Community to join hands with the school management to guide against vandalism and ensure the maintenance of the project.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the EDTF, Professor Francis Sikoki said, the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programmes was one among the top priority programme of the EDTF, informing the gathering that, the Trust Fund has intervened and undertaken WASH Programme for schools in each of the three Senatorial Districts in the State stating that, it was the EDTF’s desire to make its impact felt in every school in Bayelsa State. He enjoined the Community as well as the beneficiaries to consider the project as their own with the view to securing and protecting it.
In his speech, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah expressed appreciation and applauded the EDTF Board for the lofty and wonderful initiatives which has brought a deliberate innovation and positive impact geared towards improving education in the State. Dr. Emelah also, appreciated the Rotary International Club of Yenagoa, District 9141 for joining hands with Government in the provision of good amenities for schools in the State, while assuring the school management of the Ministry commitment to equip and address some of the challenges presented to him, he enjoined the EDTF and Rotary partnership to reach out to other schools in the State.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Education in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Dr. Charles Daniel, commended the EDTF and her partner, the Rotary International Club of Yenagoa for bringing the Water projects to reality. Dr. Daniel who was present at the inauguration of the project admonished the partners to sustain the relationship for the benefit of more schools. He called on the leadership of the Community as well as the beneficiaries especially the students and corps members to make effective use of the project.
Also speaking, the District Governor, Rotary International Club, District 9141 also appreciated the EDTF for strengthening and sustaining the ties with Rotary International. He stated that Rotary International places premium on the WASH programme, maintaining that the project was timely to curb any possible outbreak of cholera in the school.
Lending his voice, the President, Rotary Club of Yenagoa, District 9141, Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey, also expressed appreciation to the EDTF for the partnership and sued further collaboration to attract more projects, as the Rotary International creed was service to humanity.
Earlier, the Principal of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Tungbo, Mr. Eghoromrere Benin on behalf of the community commended the EDTF and Rotary for the provision of portable water in the school. According to him the timely intervention for the establishment of the Water project has saved the schools from possible outbreak of cholera and other related epidemic. He also appreciated the kind gesture of the EDTF and applauded Governor Douye Diri for his enduring educational policies aimed at raising the standard of Education in Bayelsa State while assuring their commitment to ensure the protection of the project and put to good use.
The Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Tungbo, with a population of 468 students while, the State Primary School, 1, with 203 pupils and Corp members deployed to the community, had the river as its only source of water and uses the available bushes to answer the call of nature, thereby exposing the students and teachers to hazards and loosing learning hours at such calls.