By Alexander Johnson Adejoh and Ebube Edieh
In a heartwarming display of philanthropy, Help For All (HIFA) Foundation, Austria, a Non-Governmental Organization, has paid the tuition fees of 81 poor and indigent students across all denominations in Anambra State, to the tune of over 10 million Naira.
The scholarship awards ceremony, which took place on Saturday, 1st February, 2025, at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, brought together students, parents, and dignitaries from across the state.
Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, Director, Justice Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, in Awka Diocese, and Chairman of HIFA Board in Anambra State, thanked HIFA for what he described as their continuous aid to the less privileged. He noted that HIFA had been consistent with the scholarship for the past 25 years and still counting.
In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, who was represented by the Education Secretary of Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, thanked HIFA for their support. He narrated the story of how one of his classmates, who was a beneficiary of the HIFA Scholarship, had become a Catholic priest working in the United States of America.
Rev. Fr. Okonkwo called on other well-meaning individuals, initiatives, and foundations, to learn from HIFA and come to the aid of the needy in society. He emphasized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering future generations.
Some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship who spoke at the ceremony expressed their gratitude to HIFA and JDPC for giving them hope to pursue their educational dreams. Valentine Okoye, an SS 2 Student of St. Mary’s College, Awka; Onwukachi Ekere Fustina, SS 1 Student of Fr Tansi Memorial Secondary School, Akpu; and Ifechukwu Sophia, a final year student, were among those who spoke.
Other beneficiaries, including Oluebube Anosike, a Basic 3 student of Handmaid Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Awka, and Vincent B. Chinualumogu, also thanked HIFA for their kindness. They promised to make HIFA proud by working hard and achieving academic excellence.
Mr. Anthony Mary Chiwendu Okparanwa, an indigene of Achina in Anambra State, was visibly emotional as he expressed his gratitude to HIFA. ‘If not for HIFA, I wonder what would have become of my children’s education,’ he said, noting that two of his children were beneficiaries of the scholarship. He said he would be forever grateful to HIFA for their kindness.
Hon. P.C. Adinuba, the Chairman of JDPC in Awka, thanked HIFA for their benevolence and encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity. He noted that one astonishing thing about the scholarship was that HIFA did not know the students, and the students also did not know HIFA.
The scholarship awards ceremony was a testament to the power of kindness and generosity. It highlighted the impact that organizations like HIFA can make on the lives of individuals and communities.
As the students and their families celebrated this generous gesture, it was clear that HIFA’s investment in education would have a lasting impact on the lives of the young people and the future of Anambra State.
The event ended on a high note, with the beneficiaries and their families expressing their heartfelt gratitude to HIFA and JDPC for their kindness and generosity.