By Gabriel Chy Alonta
Over 50 students have benefitted from a one-day workshop on social impact and personal growth, organized by Fontis Aid Foundation, Anambra, in collaboration with Awka Window on America, Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The workshop, themed “Lift and Rise: Empowering Secondary School Students,” took place on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Awka Window on America Space, UNIZIK. Students from St. John’s Science and Technical College, Alor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University High School, Awka, and Zest International College, Onitsha, participated in the event.
Speaking on social impact and community, the Speaker of the Anambra State Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Victory Ekwunife, encouraged students to observe their environments, identify problems, and implement solutions that make lasting impacts. She emphasized the importance of being a problem solver and urged the students to remain consistent in their efforts to bring about social change, even in the face of challenges.
Prof. Bruno Nnamdi Ibekilo of the Department of Economics, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, spoke on personal growth and wellbeing. He highlighted the importance of self-reflection, skill acquisition, and goal-setting as essential components of personal development. He identified mindfulness, resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose as key elements and recommended good nutrition, exercise, emotional stability, and stress management as tools for achieving personal growth and wellbeing.
Dr. Chioma Ikeanyionwu, the Founder of Fontis Aid Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s mission to provide resources, skills, and opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, promoting self-sufficiency, social responsibility, and sustainable development. She expressed gratitude to Bishop Dr. Onyeka Nzekwesili, CEO of Pineleaf Estate and Properties Limited, for supporting the programme.
Prof. Ike Odimegwu, Director of Awka Window on America, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Martha Egenti, welcomed participants and highlighted the Centre’s various offerings, including EducationUSA advising, digital literacy classes, and workshops on entrepreneurship and leadership. She encouraged the students to utilize the Centre’s resources to enhance their academic and professional journeys.
The event also featured a quiz competition on current affairs, science, and technology, moderated by Dr. Ijeoma Ike and Uju Amah. St. John’s Science and Technical College, Alor, clinched first place, followed by Nnamdi Azikiwe University High School, Awka, in second place, and Zest International College, Onitsha, in third place.
The workshop, which was well-attended, ended with prize presentations of ₦50,000, ₦30,000, and ₦20,000 to the winners, leaving participants inspired to make positive changes in their lives and communities. Some of the students who spoke on the sideline of the event, extended their gratitude to the organizers of the event, urging them not to rest on their oars.