DOW Education gifts scholarships, cash, others to 50 indigent students in Ondo
Approximately 50 underprivileged students from ten secondary schools in Ondo State were awarded scholarships over the weekend by the DOW Education and Mentoring Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The selected students from various secondary schools in the state received checks to cover their tuition, uniforms, sandals, school bags, textbooks, and notebooks.
During the distribution of educational materials and financial aid, Mr. Oluwarotimi Williams-Daudu, the founder of the foundation, explained that the initiative was established to address the growing issue of out-of-school children and to minimize illiteracy. Williams-Daudu shared that his personal experiences and background while growing up inspired the initiative. He called on prominent Nigerians to collaborate with the foundation by contributing to the scholarship program, revealing plans to expand the scholarship initiative nationwide.According to him, the criteria for the scholarship were that the students must be brilliant and truly indigent, which he said must be certified by the committee.
He said: “We are doing this because of my experience. I was in their shoes before. I had no mother; it was tough; I had no school uniform; I had no sandals. I faced a lot of challenges. By the grace of God, I am who I am today. God has been kind; God has been faithful.“That is why, when I look back, I still see some students who are in the position that I was in years ago. So, I just try to see how I can be impactful and relevant in the lives of these children.
“If you are interested, it doesn’t matter where you are in Nigeria. If you contact the management of the DOW Foundation, you give us the name of the school, maybe your alma mater or a school in your community.
“Once you do that for us, maybe five to 10 students. We will be able to identify the poorest of the poorest indigent students. And once we identify such students, we will recruit them. With N50,000 a year, that will cover the tuition, text books, note books, uniforms, and sandals.”The wife of the founder, Dr. Funmilola Williams-Daudu, advised the beneficiaries to dream big and work towards achieving their dreams.
“I want to tell you that there was a time I was like you. Your future is very bright, especially now that you’re DOW ambassadors.“Think of your academics; be diligent, honest, and hardworking. People must see that you have been transformed. Among you shall be governors, doctors, and engineers.”
The Permanent Secretary, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Ondo State, Dele Akinnagbe, commended Williams-Daudu for embarking on the initiative, stressing that it will going a long way in the lives of the students.
