Towards putting smiles on school children during Valentine period and ensuring that they are well catered for, an indigenous clothing brand, Ruff ‘N’Tumble, has distributed brand new school uniforms, socks and shoes to pupils of Ikeja Primary School and Central Primary School, Ikeja. This was done at its Dress A Child Campaign via its subsidiary called I Share Cuz I Care Foundation.
At the distribution, yesterday, the Campaign Project Co-ordinator, Ebele Okpako, said the project was a contribution of the Foundation to the development of primary education in the state and also a way of showing love to the students.
On his part, the General Manager, Operations, of the Foundation, Olumuyiwa Sobayo, urged the students to emulate the attitude of sharing, saying: “It is because we love you, that is why we are sharing school uniforms, socks and shoes for you.”
He noted that the efforts to keep putting smiles on the faces of the children had been going on for the past 23 years as a way of supporting parents who couldn’t afford basic school materials for their children.
He reminded the school children to always remember to share with people who do not have, adding that it stimulates love and nationhood among people.
Shobayo, who also noted that the Foundation chose to distribute school uniforms, socks and shoes because of their durability, said: “Of course, we could do food but they would eat on the day and then would be happy that day and forget about it. The school uniforms are something that they would be happy about any time they put it on. In the long term, we are ensuring that they don’t go to school in tattered uniforms and untidy.”
He, however, urged foundations in the country to desist from embarking on white elephant projects, adding: “It is not just enough to do a programme that appears or puts you into the public light alone. The central focus should be what generates true value for the kids and touches life truly.
“It is also important we extend these values to those who cannot afford them. They are very impactful and they would not forget them.”
While commending the efforts of the Foundation, the Head teacher of Central Primary School, Ikeja, Mrs. Kuye Olufunmilayo, stated that the laudable project came at the right time for the students, saying: “This project will go a very long way in making our kids happy and also serve as a relief to parents by reducing the cost of getting uniforms.”
