Fostering Hopes Foundation Celebrates International Women’s Day With Students at Olona Mixed Secondary School

By Patrick Ochei

Students of Olona Mixed Secondary School, Onicha-Olona, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, recently experienced a memorable moment of learning, interaction and gift-giving when the Fostering Hopes Foundation visited the school to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The outreach programme, which brought together members of the Foundation, collaborators and a child protection advocate, focused on educating students on the significance of the global celebration. The engagement was anchored on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme: “Give To Gain: Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls.”

In his opening remarks, the Director of Community Engagement and Development and Head of Communications of Fostering Hopes Foundation, Comrade Patrick Ochei, introduced the organisation and highlighted its core mandate of child protection and development. He also outlined some of the Foundation’s achievements within its short period of operation.

Two collaborators at the event, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, and the Auditor of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Celestine Afokobah, delivered goodwill messages. They encouraged the students, particularly the girls, to remain focused on their education, build meaningful careers and aspire to become successful women like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, among other notable female achievers.

The guest speaker and child protection advocate, Comrade Onyinye, further engaged the students with an extensive discussion on the International Women’s Day theme. She highlighted several factors that could hinder the progress of the girl-child and emphasized the importance of discipline, self-confidence and determination in achieving life goals.

Drawing from her personal experiences, she urged the girls to take responsibility for their personal development and focus on building a future that aligns with their aspirations. She also advised them to avoid premature romantic relationships and instead channel their energy into education and activities that will shape their success.

In her vote of thanks, a female student, Miss Marvelous, expressed appreciation to the Foundation and reflected on the lessons learned, noting that the programme would positively influence her future decisions.

Similarly, the Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Nwachokor, commended the Foundation for including Olona Mixed Secondary School in its International Women’s Day outreach and for exposing the students to valuable guidance and inspiration.

The event concluded with the distribution of sanitary pads and soaps to students and teachers to support personal hygiene.