Fides Media Living the Faith
…Go and Make your Family and the Church Proud -Fr. Ukor
Alexander Johnson Adejoh
No fewer than 85 indigent students have received scholarships from the Help for All Foundation (HIFA) in collaboration with the Justice Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, Awka. The programme took place on Thursday September 14, at the JDPC office within the St. Patrick’s Cathedral premises in Awka.
The scholarship package, which includes tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational items, was awarded to the beneficiaries as part of the activities marking the 2023 HIFA Day.
The event was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, the Director of Justice Development and Peace Caritas and the Chairman of HIFA’s Anambra Branch.
During his address, Fr. Ukor highlighted HIFA’s commitment to catering for the welfare of indigent people in society. He thanked HIFA for their support and dedication to making a positive impact on society.
‘The scholarship opportunity is a ray of hope to the beneficiaries, giving them the chance to pursue their education and achieve their dreams.
‘It is a commendable initiative by HIFA and JDPC Awka, and we hope that more organizations can emulate this laudable gesture,’ he said.
Some of the students who spoke to Fides shared their life stories, explaining how difficult it was for them to access education due to their financial background.
One of the beneficiaries, Oraegbunam Kingsley Chekwubechukwu, a student of St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, expressed his gratitude to HIFA and JDPC Awka for the scholarship opportunity.
He said, ‘I never thought I would be able to go to school again because of my family’s financial situation but HIFA and JDPC Awka Diocese have made it possible for me to achieve my dreams.’
Another beneficiary, Anthony Kenechukwu from St. Patrick’s College, Awka, also expressed gratitude for the scholarship opportunity, noting that the scholarship meant a lot to him and his family.
‘It has given me the opportunity to pursue my education, and I promise to make the most of this opportunity,’ he said.
Responding, Fr. Ukor encouraged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and make their parents and the Church proud.
‘As you embark on this journey, I want you to focus on your studies and strive for excellence. This scholarship opportunity is not just for you but also for your families and society at large. Go and make them proud.’
Fr Ukor who doubles as the Chairman of Help for All Foundation, Anambra Branch, reiterated HIFA’s commitment to supporting indigent people in society, noting that The Help for All Foundation was committed to supporting the less privileged in society.
‘Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and we are glad to provide this opportunity to these brilliant minds,’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Bishop, the Education Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Awka. Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, in his remarks specially thanked The Help for All Foundation, HIFA, for the scholarship opportunity. The Bishop also expressed his gratitude for the scholarship initiative.
While commending JDPC Awka and HIFA for their partnership in providing scholarship opportunities to indigent students, the cleric emphasized the importance of education in the development of society and commended the beneficiaries for their efforts in pursuing their education despite the financial challenges they faced.
The Bishop encouraged other organizations to emulate JDPC Awka and HIFA’s gesture and support the less privileged in society and urged all the beneficiaries to take the scholarship opportunity seriously and strive for excellence in their studies.
‘Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and I am glad that JDPC Awka and HIFA have taken the initiative to support indigent students. I urge all the beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it,’ he added.
Fides learnt that the scholarship opportunity provided by HIFA in collaboration with JDPC Awka is testament to their commitment to improving the welfare of indigent people in society. The beneficiaries have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to the development of their community. This initiative is laudable and we hope other organizations will emulate HIFA and JDPC Awka in supporting indigent people in society.
The event was attended by Rev. Fr. Peter Chikelue; Hon. P.C. Adinuba; Chairman JDPC, Awka Diocese; Sir J. Ogo Ezeono, Chairman board of trustees, JDPC Awka Diocese; some members of the board of trustees, JDPC; parents of the beneficiaries, among other dignitaries.
Fides recalls that The Help for All Foundation, HIFA, was founded by the late Pa Adolf Paster and the late. Rev. Fr. Aaron Ekwu in 1971.