From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
A member of the National Youth Service Corps, Brown-Ofoeme Ebubechukwu Prosper (BY/24B/2451), has put a smile on the faces of pupils in Bayelsa school by taking a bold step to restore dignity to public education in the State by renovating four dilapidated classroom blocks at Community Primary School, Swali, in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The project, executed as part of his Personal Community Development Service (CDS), was driven by a heartbreaking encounter when he visited the school.
During a visit to the school, Brown Ebubechukwu witnessed pupils learning in flooded, roofless classrooms, drenched by rain and struggling to protect their books. The scene, marked by exposed ceilings, broken windows, and missing doors, left a lasting impact on him.
Initially assigned to the Nigeria Police Force, Bayelsa State Command, Brown Ebubechukwu had planned an anti-cultism campaign for his CDS project, however, the condition of the school changed the course of his service year.
He immediately swung into action, consulting the school leadership and mobilizing support from kind-hearted individuals to bring the project to life.
“The transformation is nothing short of remarkable. The once-neglected classrooms have been completely overhauled, new roofs now shield the pupils from harsh weather, PVC ceilings have been installed, along with 9 doors and 24 windows, giving the classrooms a complete facelift. The entire block, including the administrative office, was repainted, providing a clean and vibrant learning environment”.
Today, children who once studied in flooded classrooms now learn in comfort and safety. What was once a forgotten space has been turned into a beacon of hope, thanks to one corps member’s compassion and commitment.
In addition to the renovation project, Brown Ebubechukwu carried out several other impactful programs, including, free eye check-up with medication for NYSC officials in Bayelsa, distribution of exercise books to 200 pupils, sack and soilless farming training for women in Swali, with free seedlings, soap and izal production training, with free distribution to all participants, and two-day free medical outreach for the Swali community.
