Education
THE Bertha Arinze Education Foundation has held its second career fair feel on Friday, December 20, 2024.
The event, which was hybrid saw the students and faculty of Abagana Girls Secondary School participating physically while representatives from the foundation, including Nkechi Arinze, who spearheaded the event, Emma Esinnah, a speaker at the event and a trustee of the foundation, and other attendees joined online via zoom.
In his opening remarks, Precious Mba, a lawyer, welcomed the guests and thanking the staff of the school for the use of their facilities. He set the tone of the event by firstly, addressing the students of the school and highlighting the transformative power that education has if embraced.
Secondly, Mba pointed out how environment can influence a person’s worldview and perspective to grow and progress, pointing out the need to widen horizons which cannot be overstated.
On his part, Esinnah’s speech although aimed at the students, was filled with valuable information for anyone actively listening. For instance, to signify the invaluable habit of writing things down, he used the expression “A short pencil is sharper than a long memory”.
Drawing on personal anecdotes and stories of resilience, he emphasized that educating girls not only empowers individuals, but can uplift entire communities, fostering long-term social and economic growth.
He called for collective action and solidarity, framing the event as not just a fundraiser, but a movement to create lasting change. In his closing remarks, he implored the students to “take advantage of an opportunity of a lifetime, during the lifetime of the opportunity.”
Also, Kachi Fidele Obioma, Principal of the school, thanked the foundation for the work they’ve put in to make the event a success.
The real icing on the cake came when all in attendance watched the 2016 film, ‘Queen of Katwe’. The film shows the life of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl living in the slums of Uganda, who meets a missionary played by David Oyelowo, who introduced her to the games of chess.
She becomes fascinated by the game, taught by the missionary and through her determination rose from through the ranks of not just the local and national chess to become international icon.
At the end of the film, Dora Mforton, another speaker, who has identical background as the students of Abagana Girls, gave insight into her journey, struggles and triumphs to become the woman she is today. At the ends of her speech, the students eagerly asked her questions to learn more from her experience.
The highlight of the event was the interactive session which Arinze seized the opportunity to provide answers to issues troubling the minds of the students to ensure they benefitted from the programme.
The event ended with the announcement of the names of the new beneficiaries of the Bertha Arinze Education Foundation.
A.I
Jan. 25, 2025
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