From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Oxbow Marino Deck has taken the ‘Back-to School’ campaign to secondary schools in Bayelsà State to promote education, literacy, academic excellence and a sustainable reading culture among secondary school students, while providing essential educational materials to support their academic development.
The campaign, which was kick-started at the Tarakiri Community Secondary School, Ayama-Ijaw, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, is an initiative also sought to establish a sustainable platform through the creation of a Reading Club within the school, thereby ensuring that the impact of the intervention extends beyond the project day.
The Cap’n of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arch. Timiebi Binafeigha, who led a delegation of members of the National Association of Seadogs, to the Tarakiri Community Secondary School, explained the purpose of the Deck’s visit to the school, stating that the intervention was a pilot project being launched at Tarakiri Community Secondary School, with the intention of replicating and expanding similar initiatives in other schools and communities in the future.
He encouraged the students to take the programme seriously and make effective use of the educational materials being provided.
The Cap’n of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arch. Timiebi Binafeigha, who led a delegation of members of the National Association of Seadogs had earlier featured on the state-owned Radio Station 97.1 FM Radio Bayelsà on its advocacy effort to promote the Back-to-School campaign.
Also speaking, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Mathew Ebitei, encouraged the students to pay close attention to the reading culture advocacy and to take advantage of the knowledge and opportunities provided through the project.
She expressed her appreciation to the members of the National Association of Seadogs, Oxbow Marino Deck, for choosing Tarakiri Community Secondary School for the intervention.
The Advocacy session, which was delivered by the renowned author and educationist, Madam Annete David-West on the theme, “The Importance of Reading, Literacy, Academic Excellence and Personal Development.” emphasised the critical role of reading in academic success, intellectual development, character formation and personal growth.
The students were encouraged to cultivate reading as a daily habit, broaden their knowledge beyond classroom lessons and develop the discipline required to achieve academic excellence.
The advocacy also highlighted the importance of literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.
A major component of the project was the establishment and inauguration of the Tarakiri Community Secondary School Reading Club with the appointment of the English Teacher of the school, Mrs. Faith Orubo as the Matron/Coordinator of the Reading Club.
New members of the Reading Club were formally inducted, with students encouraged to participate actively in the club’s activities and make reading an integral part of their academic and personal development.
The students were further encouraged to take their studies seriously and to see education as an important pathway to achieving their future aspirations.
Miss Havila Ebimere Binafeigha participated in the reading session, demonstrating the importance of reading and encouraging students to develop confidence and interest in reading.
Approximately ten (10) books were subsequently donated to the newly inaugurated Reading Club to provide students with additional reading resources and support the sustainability of the initiative.
The detailed presentation of the educational intervention was made by the 2nd Mate of Oxbow Marino Deck, Mr. Oti Premobowei and educational materials were presented to students across the SS1, SS2 and SS3 classes.
The items included School bags;
Five (5) branded exercise books per beneficiary; English Language textbooks; Mathematics textbooks;
Social Studies textbooks; and
Other educational materials.
Students in JS3 were also included in the intervention and received school bags and exercise books.
The inclusion of students across different classes was intended to ensure broader participation and impact.
In recognition of the importance of personal hygiene to the overall wellbeing and academic participation of students, NIVEA roll-ons were also distributed to participants, including the teachers.
This component complemented the educational intervention by promoting good personal hygiene and encouraging students to maintain healthy personal habits.
