By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Amid jubilation and commendations, Rotary Club of Ogwa on Thursday, October 2, 2025, paid the First School Leaving Certificate Examination (FLSC) fees for 150 primary school pupils of Community Primary School, Alaenyi Ogwa, and Awo Primary School, Mbieri, both in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State.
In her address to parents, teachers and pupils during the occasion, the President, Rotary Club of Ogwa, Rtn. Pet Anoruo (PHF), described Rotary International as a global network of community leaders, business and professional individuals working together to make positive impacts in key areas like peace, health, education, and community development through various programs and initiatives by volunteering their time, talents and resources.
Rtn. Anoruo, noted that the gesture was in pursuance of one of the core objectives of Rotary International, “Basic Education and Literacy,” adding that members of the club have undertaken the huge cost of paying for the pupils’ FLSC fees to demonstrate their advocacy for basic education and literacy as: “The Right of Every Child.”
“We are here as members of Rotary Club of Ogwa to be part of our children and your children’s basic educational journey. It’s a very big honour for us to be part of their development through this important stage and strategic milestone. The importance of First School Leaving Certificate Examination cannot be emphasized because this stage is key to their academics and other pursuits in future,” Rtn. Anoruo said.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage the gesture from the club to make the school; their parents and Rotary International proud, explaining that for them to become prominent personalities in the society, they must have their FSLC as the starting point.
“We are among you to help you actualize your dreams by paying for you and ensuring that you write this examination without difficulties and financial stress on your parents,” she added, while urging the pupils to be of good behaviours.
On his own, the District Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, Rtn. Kelechi Anyanwu, commended the pupils for their good dispositions and interest in learning. He noted that Rotary International has always been at the forefront of humanitarian service globally, asserting that humanity has been positively touched through the activities of the club.
The District Governor, stressed the importance of education for personal and societal development, saying that Rotary Club was prepared to further the sponsorship beyond the primary stage for bright pupils. He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture with seriousness to studies and good behaviours, adding that the club would not relent in its positive engagements in the society.
In her appreciation, the Head Teacher, Community Primary School, Alaenyi Ogwa, and the Chairperson, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Imo State Chapter, Lady Julia Onuoha, thanked Rotary Club of Ogwa for the gesture and other commendable activities in the society. She, however, advised the beneficiaries to make the school, the club and their parents proud, as well as to emulate the club in doing good for a better society.
At the Awo Primary School, Mbieri, the Head Teacher, Mrs. Felicity Eke, while expressing delight, called on other organizations to emulate the good works of the Rotary Club of Ogwa, assuring that the school would leverage the event to enhance academic training for the pupils.
Welcoming members of the club earlier, the Vice President General of Awo Mbieri Autonomous Community, Mr Alfred Amadi, was full of gratitude to the club for extending the generosity to the pupils of the community.
Meanwhile, some of the pupils reacted, expressing gratitude to the club, while promising not to let it down. A beneficiary, Miss Collins Amarachi, a basic six pupil of Awo Primary School, Mbieri said: “I feel so happy for this payment of my FSLC fee. Rotary Club of Ogwa has taken this burden away from my parents. I thank Rotary Club and pray that God will continue to strengthen their good works.”
While Miss Uzoma Success Chiamaka of the Community Primary School, Alaenyi Ogwa, appreciated the generosity of the Rotary Club of Ogwa, noting that such goodwill would motivate her to take her studies seriously and to make good grades in the FSLC Examination. She also expressed interest in becoming a Rotarian to impact the society positively in future.
The high points of the event were: the presentations of cheques to the authorities of the two schools, the rendition of Rotary International Anthem and songs, as well as prayers offered to the club by the pupils, teachers and jubilant parents.
