The Commonwealth Education Scheme originated recently from the combination of two separate, regional schemes – HANDS in North America and SNIP in South East England – which have always had the same aim of increasing access to education for those in West Africa who cannot afford it.
Below is a note of thanks from Eric Sampou, the local co-ordinator, on behalf of the beneficiaries which we share for information, thanksgiving and to encourage continued prayer and financial support for this initiative.
“The African Leadership of the Churches of God, on behalf of all the beneficiaries, wish to register our profound thanks to our donors in the U.K., Canada and the U.S.A, and the coordinating bodies, for extending this help and support to Africa. This relief program is an eloquent Testament of your love and compassion. Through this gesture of yours, many young children who otherwise may not have acquired a Western Education are catered for.
Africa is a land of natural beauty, custodian of abundant natural endowment, of gold and diamond, oil and gas and much more yet is inhabited by the world’s poorest tribes. Ironically the continent is also home to some super rich individuals. With massive population growth and the economic weakness of the continent, the mass of Africans are helplessly and agonizingly poor.
The social and economic struggle continues but we are teaching our people to consciously fight against poverty. One key way out of poverty is education. Education, we feel, is an important and essential tool in this process of fighting poverty. According to the United Nations, “182 million adults in Africa are unable to read and write; 48 million youths (ages 15-24) are illiterate and 22% of primary aged children are not in school.”
Against this backdrop, the Commonwealth Education initiative is significantly touching the lives of underprivileged children and effecting change. The program is going incredibly well at the moment. Space forbids to accommodate all the testimonials but here are one or two. Some may still remember our 2014 report of the gruesome murder of Dr. Stephen
Amole – Port Harcourt. His widow Margaret writes “I’m thankful for the opportunity granted to my children to be part of this education program. May the Lord continue to bless you all.”
From Owerri – Nigeria, Duru Chibuzor writes “I write to express my appreciation for the benevolence shown to me. I say a big thank you for sowing into my life.”
The program provides for registration fees, examination fees, full-time school fees, uniforms and textbooks for the children. Over 120 children from Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria are enrolled in West Africa for the 2017/2018 academic session.
Again much thanks.”
Eric
