Beauty For Ashes (B4A) Foundation has empowered no fewer than 200 primary and secondary school pupils in Akure, the Ondo State capital, with educational materials to support their learning and promote access to quality education.

The beneficiaries, drawn from various schools across the state, including the Government Special School, Oba-Ile, received notebooks, sandals, school bags, mathematical sets, biros and erasers.

The programme, held at Caring Heart Mega School, Ijapo Estate, Akure, also featured the award of scholarships to outstanding and vulnerable pupils to cover their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees and school fees.

Speaking at the event, the Ondo State Coordinator of B4A Foundation, Pastor Mrs Abimbola Akindunmbi, said the initiative was established 10 years ago by Mr and Mrs Akinbolawa, driven by their passion for humanitarian services.

She said the couple had consistently supported children and families, particularly those whose financial circumstances had threatened their chances of accessing formal education.

“Over the years, they have remained a tremendous blessing to many children and families, particularly children, who, due to financial challenges, had almost lost hope of ever receiving a formal education.

“Through their generosity, love and commitment to humanity, they have given many children a reason to dream again and an opportunity to build a better future.

Their consistent yearly interventions demonstrate their belief that no child should be denied quality education because of poverty,” she said.

Akindunmbi explained that Caring Heart Mega School, formerly known as Ijapo Primary School, was chosen for the programme because Mrs Akinbolawa was an alumnus of the institution.

She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to using education as a tool for transforming lives, breaking the cycle of poverty, restoring hope and nurturing the dreams of children, irrespective of their family backgrounds or financial circumstances.

“We recognise that poverty should never be a barrier to education or a reason for any child to abandon their dreams,” she added.

The B4A coordinator called on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and government agencies to support the foundation’s vision of improving the lives of vulnerable members of society, stressing that the responsibility could not be shouldered by one organisation alone.

“Together, let us turn despair into hope and give these children a reason to believe in a better tomorrow.

“Together, we can change lives, raise future leaders and give more children the opportunity to fulfil their God-given potential,” she said.

Highlights of the event included dancing competitions among the pupils, as well as the provision of food and drinks for the children.