Gede Foundation and Lafarge: Transforming Communities Through Education and Development

Education is a transformative force, driving economic prosperity, social stability, and improved health outcomes. Recognizing its pivotal role in sustainable development, Gede Foundation and Lafarge have joined forces to strengthen educational support in underserved communities. This partnership aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – Quality Education, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities through infrastructure development, scholarships, teacher training, and digital learning—ensuring long-term empowerment and community upliftment. 

A photograph with the students of one of the beneficiary schools in Calabar

This initiative seeks to bridge educational gaps, address key challenges in marginalized areas, and foster sustainable community growth through innovative interventions. 

The Power of Education in Community Development

Education is at the core of societal progress, equipping individuals with skills for employment, innovation, and civic engagement. Together, Gede Foundation and Lafarge are driving educational advancement to enhance community resilience and self-sufficiency. 

How Education Transforms Communities

1. Economic Growth & Job Creation – Education enhances employability. Through vocational training in construction, engineering, and business, the collaboration equips young people with industry-relevant skills, reducing unemployment. 

2. Improved Health & Quality of Life – Educated communities embrace healthier lifestyles. By integrating WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education into school programs, students benefit from improved hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention. 

3. Social Cohesion & Crime Reduction – Education fosters civic engagement and strengthens social bonds, leading to lower crime rates. The initiative supports mentorship and leadership programs to instil ethical values and responsibility among students. 

4. Gender Equality & Empowerment – Investing in scholarships and mentorship for girls breaks societal barriers, empowers young women, and enhances gender equity in education and employment. 

5. Innovation & Sustainability – STEM education is crucial for future problem-solvers. The partnership promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions for community challenges. 

Challenges to Education in Underserved Areas

Many communities still face barriers to quality education, including: 

- Lack of Infrastructure – Many rural schools lack proper classrooms, libraries, and digital learning centers. 

- Financial Constraints – High costs of education prevent children from low-income families from attending school. 

- Teacher Shortages – A lack of trained educators negatively impacts learning outcomes. 

- Cultural Barriers – Societal norms sometimes discourage girls from pursuing education. 

- Conflict & Insecurity – Political instability and environmental disasters disrupt educational continuity. 

Our Commitment to Educational Development

Through this collaboration, Gede Foundation and Lafarge are tackling these challenges by: 

·        Building & Renovating Schools – Ensuring safe and conducive learning environments. 

·        Providing Scholarships & Financial Aid – Supporting students from low-income backgrounds. 

·        Training Teachers – Enhancing teaching quality through modern pedagogical methods. 

·        Expanding Digital & STEM Learning – Introducing e-learning platforms and mobile classrooms. 

·        Community Engagement & Advocacy – Working with parents, educators, and community leaders to promote the value of education. 

Impact in Nigeria

Together, Gede Foundation and Lafarge have made a tangible difference by: 

- Awarding scholarships to disadvantaged students. 

- Renovating schools and improving learning facilities. 

- Providing vocational and technical training to enhance employability. 

- Empowering young girls through STEM programs and mentorship opportunities. 

Building a Brighter Future Through Education

Education is more than a means to individual success—it is a catalyst for sustainable community development. The Gede Foundation-Lafarge partnership is not just an investment in learning; it is a strategic commitment to empowering future generations, strengthening local economies, and fostering resilient communities. 

Through mutual support, we are building knowledge, transforming lives, and shaping a future where every child has access to quality education.

Gede Marks World Humanitarian Day 2024

Gede Foundation marked the 2024 World Humanitarian Day, themed "Act for Humanity," with a community outreach event at Jabi Community, in Abuja.

The Foundation organized an awareness campaign, focused on ways to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, especially,Cholera which is currently a pressing public health concern in Nigeria Through engaging activities and informative sessions, community members were informed on the dangers associated with Cholera and provided crucial guidance on preventive measures to combat its spread.

Participants went through practical sessions on proper hand washing as a key preventive measure against infection and disease transmission.

By taking proactive steps, Gede aim to empower the established WASH Committee members at the community, to promote sanitation and hygiene behavior among the people including elimination of open defecation. The Community gatekeepers and other stakeholders showed commitment to support the established WASH Committee for subsequent planned activities, in order to attend open defecation free status and a healthier community.

OPEN MINDS PROJECT CLOSEOUT

The Open Minds Project started in 2019, and was implemented by a consortium of 3 partners— The Leprosy Mission, England and Wales, The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria and Gede Foundation.  

The Project aimed at using an integrated approach to empower and build the resilience of children and young people to overcome mental health problems caused by 2 severely stigmatized skin neglected tropical diseases — leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

The Project was implemented in 3 states— Kebbi, Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory. Working with relevant stakeholders including government agencies, the Project benefited children, young people, parents and caregivers, affected by comorbid mental health problems and the 2 identified neglected tropical diseases.

A combination of training, anti-stigma, livelihood support, treatment and social contact initiatives, helped to achieve all the planned outcomes, as the Project reached more than 5000 beneficiaries.

The Project ended in June 2024 with a closeout event. The event showcased its achievements within the Project cycle with goodwill messages from stakeholders. At the event, it was recommended that relevant government agencies should ensure its sustainability and scale up to other regions.

The Project was funded by Comic Relief.

LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT THROUGH THE OPEN MINDS PROJECT

The mental health support component of the Open Minds Project was complemented with livelihood support initiative at the ending phase of the project. This was aimed to further enhance   effective ownership of project by beneficiaries and to guarantee sustainability of project goals.

At the Social Contact events, project participants were trained on village savings and loan association (VSLA) approach.  The approach provided knowledge and skills on income generation and diversification through savings and loans. Participants identified farming as the major component that would require boosters for improved yields. This will sure provide opportunities for members (mostly farmers) to generate more income to improve savings and strengthen households in a more sustainable manner.

Eight VSLA groups were formed with 20 members per group. Groups continued with the VSLA weekly meetings.  They were further provided with agricultural products of their choices—improved seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. A total of 160 households received these items during the current farming season, and this is expected to increase their yields during harvest.

Community members expressed gratitude to this initiative, including the Community Heads and government officials. They offered to jointly provide the needed enabling environment to see that the Project goals are achieved.  The Open Minds Project is funded by Comic Relief and implemented by The Leprosy Mission, Great Britain, The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria and Gede Foundation.

GEDE PARTNERED WITH LAFARGE TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY 2024

This year’s Children’s Day was commemorated with the theme “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Media and Technology”.

In Cross River State, Gede and Lafarge Africa Plc, celebrated with children from its educational support program on May 28, 2024. The highlight of the event was debate, quiz, artwork, drawing and dance competitions among students from 10 communities. This was aimed to create a platform for the children from various schools and backgrounds to express their opinions on critical issues that bother on education, social media, technology and mental health.

In a presentation, the media and technology consultant for Lafarge, Ms. Elizabeth, emphasized on the importance of understanding the dangers associated with social media and the need to ensure that children are safeguarded. She explained the responsibilities of parents and guardians in the upbringing of theire children and wards. These included: i) encouraging open communication, ii) setting limits on screen time, and, iii) actively monitoring online activities. These will help in mitigating potential risks as well as promote healthy social media habits among their children and wards. 

The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Youth Development, Mrs. Edema Irom, advised the students on the need to stay focused with this opportunity of being in school, and that they should use the social media for learning purposes. She emphasized on the importance of laying good foundations in order to ensure a productive life.

Jeremiah Effanga, representing the Gede Foundation in his address, acknowledged the opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning offered by the internet and social media platforms. However, he also highlighted the associated risks to children's mental well-being including: sleep disturbances, feelings of low self-worth, online addictions leading to a decreased academic performance, and withdrawal from offline activities and relationships.

Awards were presented to students that participated and displayed talents in various competitions.

Gede Beneficiaries Visit Lafarge

The beneficiaries of Gede’s Educational Project in Cross River State, participated in a 2-day extracurricular activity by visiting Lafarge Africa Plc Plant. The activity is aimed at laying positive foundations for learning and career development for the orphans and young people.

During the event,the Plant Management offered to train as many orphans that would want to understudy and develop their careers along the lines of the Company. This will help to promote opportunities for skills and knowledge development , as they look forward to a productive future.

Gede Raised Awareness on Mental Health and Substance Misuse in Cross River State

Recently, there has been growing concern about mental health and substance abuse among secondary school students and young adults, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and abuse. Various factors contribute to this behavior, including peer pressure, social norms, family influences, and individual factors.
At Pinn Margaret Secondary School in Calabar, peer pressure appears to be a significant factor that influence teenagers who consume or abuse alcohol. During the awareness session, participants expressed that most time they are pressured to drink in order to fit in or gain acceptance from their peers, especially those who are popular in the school or their neighbourhood. Some participants mentioned that they consume alcohol socially, while others do so because it is affordable or because certain brands are marketed as herbal medicinal remedies for stomach upsets or constipation.

Whether alcohol is consumed socially or for medicinal purposes, it is important to discourage alcohol use and consumption among teenagers and adolescents due to the negative outcomes associated with it. These include health risks such as the potential development of alcohol addiction later in life, alcohol poisoning, and impaired judgment, as well as negative effects on academic performance. Alcohol use may also contribute to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and violence, and it could worsen anxiety issues.
It is expected that 13000 students and teachers from 26 secondary schools will be reached with the right information about mental health and substance misuse.

VSLA Training - Alheri Community

Gede Foundation trained young people on village savings and loans association(VSLA) approach recently in a Community in the FCT. This was in response to livelihood concerns and how this was affecting their mental health.

Alheri is a community predominantly occupied by people living and affected by leprosy.The VSLA approach was to transfer skills on running successful saving and loan associations at the community level. The sole aim is to empower households through diversity of income streams. On April 16th 2024, the Foundation went back to present all relevant materials and conduct hands-on mentoring to kickoff the savings groups.

The community members were excited to explore this evidence based opportunities for households economic strengthening. Gede Foundation will be proceeding to Sokoto and Kebbi states starting in few days. Please follow our socials for more information!

This activity is funded by Comic Relief , through the Open Minds Project, implemented by The Leprosy Mission Nigeria,The Leprosy Mission England and Wales and Gede Foundation.

Social Contact and VSLA Training

From 26th to 28th March 2024, Gede a Social Contact event and trained over 90 Community members on Village Savings and Loan approach in Yangoji Leprosy Community in Kwali Area Council. This training is to add more value to the ongoing OPEN MINDS Project funded by Comic Relief UK.

The long-term goal is to establish functional saving groups in the community in order to provide a sustainable avenue for income generation among the beneficiaries of the Project.The training is scheduled for 3 days in each location a across FCT, Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Training on Health, Safety and Environment

On Monday 25 March 2024,the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund(NSITF), trained Gede Staff on Health, Safety and Environment. The training aimed at empowering employees with knowledge and skills on safety at home and workplace. The sessions helped participants to understand hazard preventive measures and ways to respond to fire and other related safety incidences.

An audit of safety items and routes was conducted, recommendations for future safety guards were highlighted.