Diasporas adopt Kuje School for Deaf as CRS project

By Stanley Onyekwere

There is a sign of respite for teachers and students of Kuje School for the Deaf, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a diaspora group, the Nigeria Diaspora Alumni Network (NiDAN), has adopted them as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project.

To this end, the Network will install new Information Technologies (IT) equipment for the school as well as repairing all 16 computers that have not been functional over some period.

The adoption followed NiDAN’s several visits to the school on a fact finding mission, after of which it decided that their IT and teacher training needs were paramount and warranted at least one year’s support if not more.

“These kids have no visual aid; they need access to computers with interactive teaching aid, and projectors. We will provide all these and also assist the teachers by providing additional skills for special needs teaching.

“Teachers will take part in a half-day training session, provided by professional teacher-training specialists from the network,” says NiDAN’s chairman, Prof. Manny Aniebonam.

According to a statement issued by NiDAN’s Spokesperson, Christine Shuaibu, yesterday, the official launch will take place by early July, but prior to that date, its members will be putting on their ‘Do it Yourself’ (DIY) gear and grabbing their paint and brushes to give the Library a mini make over.

“This will ensure that the kids have a very conducive environment to learn, which is so important for all children, talk less of those with hearing impairment,” the statement said.

The computer programs will be donated by Global Distance Learning Institute (GDLI) managed by AfriHUB Nigeria Ltd, which according the group will greatly enhance the learning experience for both the students and children.

“We are delighted that we have chosen Kuje School for the deaf as one of our CSR projects,” as the aim of NiDAN is to give back and make a difference in our own little way,” the statement quoted the Chair of NiDAN event committee, Ms Badewa  Adejugbe-Williams.

Peoples Daily recalls that NiDAN came to limelight in 2011, when they organised one of the most successful Youth Empowerment events, with feedback from over 500 participants. This was followed last year by a Youth Empowerment Program (II), which focused on developing entrepreneurs where they were taught for free, a variety of career skills ranging from fish farming to event management.