Esther, our Project coordinator visited FAR SIGHT SCHOOLS in Abule Egba, Lagos State on Thursday, 25th of January 2024 to celebrate the International Day of Education and donate books to the school library as part of ChiYoWo’s Book Drive Project. She addressed students of the school in the School’s hall about the International Day of Education themed “Learning for lasting peace”.

The event started with a welcome speech by the school Principal representing the school proprietor Mrs. Mercy Adetomiwa. This was followed by a debate session by the students talking about the Importance of Education. Esther shared on Literacy for Peace and handed the donated books to the School.

The visit to Far Sight Schools on the International Day of Education was a meaningful and impactful event, furthering ChiYoWo’s mission to promote education and literacy. The students’ engagement in the discussions and debate highlighted their enthusiasm for learning and the importance of education in fostering peace. The book donation will serve as a valuable resource for the students, encouraging a love for reading and continuous learning. ChiYoWo remains committed to supporting educational initiatives and empowering young minds for a brighter future.

Giving back is always the highlight of our services, in the spirit of Christmas, one of our partners, Talscent, a Candle and room fragrance manufacturing Company in London, United Kingdom partnered with ChiYoWo to gift food items to school students as a reward for an academic year well done. Three Schools at different local Government in Lagos State were beneficiaries of the Christmas School Project:

• Master’s Mind Lead School, Ikorodu
• Ronel School, Isheri Olofin
• Far Sight School, Abule Egba

The Talscent Christmas School Project, in collaboration with ChiYoWo, exemplified the true spirit of giving during the festive season. By rewarding students from three schools across Lagos State with food items, Talscent not only celebrated their academic achievements but also spread joy and encouragement. This thoughtful initiative, carried out in partnership with Master’s Mind Lead School, Ronel School, and Far Sight School, made a meaningful impact on the lives of these students. As we reflect on this project, it stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of supporting education and well-being, especially during the holiday season.

In the month of November, ChiYoWo had a Book Drive Donation in collaboration with CMS Grammar School 1964 – 1968 Set at the CMS Grammar School Bariga, Lagos State. The school was visited by Esther, Wura, Francis and Dr. Ebenezer Ajayi from ChiYoWo on Thursday, 2nd of November 2023 to donate 100 books to the school library in relations to ChiYoWo’s book drive in conjunction with the School’s Alumni of 1964 to 1968 set one of ChiYoWo’s trustees Mr. Adegboyega Adelaja.

The event started with a welcome address by the Principal Mr. Jacob Ogunyinka, who welcomed the ChiYoWo team and addressed the boy on the importance of reading after which he introduced each member of the team. There was a speaking session by Dr. Ajayi about the importance of a good reading culture, power of books and strategies for effective reading. Then, group activities that involved the boy’s creativity skills, a group of 5 with 10 team members was randomly selected and worked together to create works, this was anchored by Francis. Three groups emerged the winner and were awarded gifts.

The highlight of the event was the generous donation of 100 books, spanning various genres and subjects. These books were carefully selected to cater to the diverse interests and educational needs of the students at CMS Grammar School. The books were handed over by Francis and Wura on behalf of ChiYoWo and Mr Adegboyega to the school’s librarian, who expressed their gratitude for this valuable addition to the school’s library.

In conclusion, the ChiYoWo Book Drive Donation, in collaboration with the CMS Grammar School 1964-1968 Set, was a resounding success. The event not only enriched the school’s library with 100 carefully selected books but also inspired a renewed passion for reading among the students. Through engaging sessions, including Dr. Ajayi’s insightful talk on the importance of reading and the creative group activities led by Francis, the boys at CMS Grammar School were encouraged to embrace the power of knowledge. The support from the school’s alumni and ChiYoWo highlights the lasting impact of education and the importance of giving back to the community. This initiative will undoubtedly foster a strong reading culture and contribute to the academic and personal growth of the students for years to come.

In a vibrant celebration of the International Day of The Girl Child this October, ChiYoWo, a beacon of education and empowerment, extended its heartfelt commitment to nurturing young minds. With a vision to foster a love for learning, we embarked on a transformative Book Drive, leaving an indelible mark on two esteemed schools nestled in the heart of the Ikorodu community in Lagos State, Nigeria
Adorable Kiddies Royal School, Towolawi street, Benson Bus stop, Ikorodu, Lagos and Master Mind Lead Schools, Selewu Road, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos.

ChiYoWo’s Book Donation at Adorable Kiddies’ Royal Schools
Esther, representing ChiYoWo, visited Adorable Kiddies’ Royal Schools on October 11, 2023, to celebrate the International Day of
the Girl Child. Aligned with the theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our leadership, our well-being”. ChiYoWo donated books to the school library as part of their Book Drive project. The event aimed to inspire a love for learning and underscore ChiYoWo’s commitment to empowering young minds at Adorable Kiddies’ Royal
Schools.

Master Mind Lead Schools; was visited by Esther on Tuesday, 31st of October 2023 to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child themed, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our leadership, our well-being” and the importance of a reading culture “Literacy for a Cause” while donating books to the school library in relation to ChiYoWo’s Book Drive Project. The orientation session was followed by questions and answers. The students also had an interclass debate prepared on “Medical Profession is better than Teaching Profession”. The debate session was followed by presentation of art works made by the students. Followed by book donation.

In conclusion, ChiYoWo’s Book Drive initiative, held in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, has made a significant impact on the students of Adorable Kiddies Royal School and Master Mind Lead Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos. By donating books and fostering a culture of literacy, ChiYoWo continues to uphold its mission of empowering young minds, particularly girls, to realize their potential through education. The interactive sessions, including debates and art presentations, further enriched the experience, leaving the students inspired and eager to explore new horizons. As we reflect on these efforts, we remain committed to supporting education and empowerment, ensuring that every child, especially girls, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead in their communities.

The month of May is globally dedicated to celebrating children and making them happy to commemorate 2023 Children’s Day on the 27th of May, ChiYoWo donated 100 books to Rubbing Minds Initiative.

The donation took place at ChiYoWo’s office in Ikorodu, Lagos State, with the handing over done by Mr. Onyeka to Miss Gbemisola the founder of the Rubbing Minds Initiative. She expressed her gratitude and also shared how the books will be of great value to the intended children.

In conclusion, the book donation to Rubbing Minds Initiative marks another significant step in ChiYoWo’s commitment to empowering children through education. By providing these 100 books, we aim to inspire a love for reading and learning among the children, fostering their intellectual growth and creativity. We believe that this small gesture will make a lasting impact on their lives, and we remain dedicated to supporting similar initiatives in the future. The positive feedback from Miss Gbemisola reinforces our belief in the value of this partnership, and we look forward to more collaborations that uplift and empower the next generation.

The ChiYoWo Summer Mentoring Hub has proven to be a transformative experience for both participants and mentors alike. The overall impact of the programme extends beyond just knowledge sharing—it has ignited a passion for innovation and provided participants with the tools and guidance necessary to turn their ideas into reality.

Through the mentorship and coaching provided, participants not only gained valuable insights but also developed tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. The creation of FEED EXPRESS and THE CONNECTO exemplifies the potential of the young entrepreneurs who joined the hub. These applications are a direct reflection of the innovative spirit, collaboration, and dedication fostered within the program.

Feedback from our mentors has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the participants’ eagerness to learn, their creativity, and their commitment to making a difference. The mentors expressed their satisfaction with the progress made during the programme and emphasized the importance of continued support to help these ventures scale and thrive.

In conclusion, the ChiYoWo Summer Mentoring Hub has laid a strong foundation for future cohorts and has demonstrated the power of mentorship in unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue this journey of empowerment, growth, and innovation, confident that the seeds planted in this hub will yield impactful ventures that make a difference in the world.