Gede’s partnership with the United Cement Company Ltd (UNICEM), a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa PLC in Cross River State, has supported over 25 tertiary students in 10 rural communities since the 2013 academic session.
The stakeholder’s meeting, which was held at Lafarge premises had 70 people in attendance, including the Commissioner of Education in Cross River State represented by Mr. I. A. Oyeyem, the Plant Manager of Lafarge Plc represented by Mr. Inyang Bassey, Community Relation Manager Lafarge Plc, Gede Foundation, tertiary beneficiaries, Community Trust Committee CTC, other community leaders and parents/guardians of beneficiaries. The aim of the meeting was to find out which issues have arisen since the educational support programme for tertiary students started. Among the issuesdiscussed were achievements, performance challenges and new ideas for effectiveness.
A detailed report on the achievements of the the programme, general performance of beneficiaries, challenges faced over the period outlined and limitations in the programme were all part of presentation delivered by Gede Foundation. As part of the event, graduates of this programme shared experiences and expressed their gratitude to Lafarge and Gede Foundation. The representative of the Honourable Commissioner of Education, lauded the effort of Lafarge Africa Plc and Gede Foundation for the educational support offered to indigent students and noted that Cross River State is one of the educationally disadvantaged states in Nigeria and this kind of support is worthy of commendation and emulation by other companies and agencies working within Cross River State.
Beneficiaries and parents
The meeting ended with a plan of action for 2016/2017 which included mentoring and community health initiatives to be carried out by the tertiary student with supervision from Gede Foundation; continuous support from parents and community stakeholders and more engagement with InstitutionalAuthorities for sustainability.
By Ekaette Udoekong