Goge Africa Foundation awards scholarships to indigent pupils

Goge Africa Foundation (GAF), a media and travel non-governmental organisation (NGO) has awarded scholarships to indigent pupils from public schools in Lagos.

At an event in Lagos, Isaac Moses, GAF chairman, said the scholarship is the organisation’s way of giving out to the society and to keep the youths active with skills that can build their career.

Halimat Rafiu, a pupil of Agege Senior High School, was given a scholarship to the Royal Arts Academy, Lagos.

GAF offered a paid internship to her during holidays and a job placement after graduation.

Saviour Joseph, another student, was also offered scholarship to the Royal Arts Academy and stipends to sustain his education.

With the theme ‘Drug abuse, safer internet practices and ethical moral standards’, the pupils from secondary schools across Lagos were addressed by speakers from civil societies, entertainment and health sectors.

Moses said the event was the 10th edition of the GAF career guidance and counselling seminar and the organisation decided to focus more drug abuse because it has taken a new dimension in the world.

“Drug abuse has become an epidemic in Africa. It has gotten to an alarming proportion; we decided to it the focal point for our seminar this year,” he said.

“Usually, every year, we call different professionals to address this young people about the challenges of growing up and peer pressure. We want to tell them that it is okay to be a journalist, lawyer, actor or artist.

“Lately, drug abuse is getting on the rise. Parents are trying to make end meets not knowing what their children are doing. They get to know only when the child has gone berserk. We feel that if we educate them about the evils and menace of drug abuse this early in their lives, they won’t abuse it.

“Parents should find a way to keep an eye on their loved ones. They should be conscious of their mood change.

“However, the scholarship is our own way of giving back to the society. Getting into the academy is expensive. We are using our own contact as an NGO to get them scholarships at movie academies so that they can develop their skills.”