Climate group donates school items to 800 students in Epe coastal areas

Help Africa Initiatives (HAI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated school materials to over 800 students in Lagos lagoon communities in Epe.  

The donation was made possible through HAI’s ‘Lagos Lagoon Climate Response’ project, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authorities (LASWA), Mitimeth, Ecolearn ng, Healthinika, Eyes of a Lagos Boy, and the Danish ministry of foreign affairs.

The project aims to support communities impacted by climate change and improve access to education.

The 10-day event was held in three Epe communities: Saga, Ejirin, and Oriba, from October 14 to 24.

Students from these communities received textbooks on various subjects, including Basic Science, Mathematics, English, Agricultural Science, Civic Education, and Biology, as well as exercise books and dictionaries.

In a statement sent to TheCable, Bolaji Alonge, the project coordinator for HAI, emphasised the organization’s long-term commitment to the coastal communities.

“We have been working with the coastal communities of Epe since 2018 and today, we have a common front implementing this project as partners with the communities,” he said.

“We are tackling their issues of concern together.”

In addition to the school materials, HAI also provided medical outreach and health interventions to residents of the communities

Tuyi Mebawondu, the medical team lead, supervised the distribution of medicines and educated residents on preventive measures against diseases.

Furthermore, the organisation empowered residents by teaching them how to convert seaweed into valuable economic products.

According to HAI, over 1,000 individuals have benefited from its health interventions. The NGO also revealed plans to continue its monthly visits to the communities until March 2025, focusing on climate change, critical thinking, and creative writing.

An exhibition showcasing the Epe communities is scheduled for April 2025.

Representing the Danish ministry of foreign affairs, Sanne Chipeta highlighted the embassy’s funding for projects aimed at improving water hyacinth utility, disease prevention, education, and climate change resilience.

Rafiu Ishola Balogun, Elejirin of Ejirin, encouraged students to make effective use of the donated materials. He also urged them to become relevant personalities in the future.

Below are photos from the event:

HAI was established in 2012 to provide volunteer services in areas such as health, education, sheltering, food provision, and orphanage support.