A non-governmental organisation, the Ebubechukwu Eziokwe Foundation (EEF), has distributed educational materials to over 1,200 pupils across public primary schools in Umuchu Local Government Area of Anambra State as part of its 6th Annual Christmas Book Drive.
The intervention, which took place on Thursday, was aimed at promoting educational inclusion and improving access to basic learning tools for children in rural communities.
Beneficiaries received complete learning kits comprising six exercise books, pens and other essential writing materials.
The distribution covered Community Primary School, Ibughubu; Mbarafor Primary School; Primary School, Umuchu; Holy Name Primary School; Central Primary School; and another Community Primary School, all in Umuchu LGA.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, Mr Ezeukoh Ebubechukwu, said the initiative was driven by the belief that every child deserved access to quality education regardless of background.
“Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and books are the keys that unlock that power,” Ebubechukwu said.
He noted that the annual outreach had become imperative in view of the high rate of educational exclusion in sub-Saharan Africa, as reported by UNESCO, adding that the foundation was committed to bridging the gap by supporting underprivileged pupils at the grassroots.
According to him, the foundation’s 2025 book drive also reached more than 65 teachers, describing the learning kits as symbols of belief in the pupils’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.
“Today is not just another outreach; it is a testament to what vision, compassion and collective effort can achieve. We are determined to change the narrative in grassroots education by providing tangible and direct support,” he said.
Ebubechukwu stressed that many pupils were willing to attend school but were held back by financial constraints, making the annual book drive one of the foundation’s most impactful interventions.
He also called on governments, development partners and relevant agencies to support community-based initiatives by training more teachers and equipping children with essential learning tools.
“NGOs like ours are filling critical gaps, but we cannot do it alone. We need stronger partnerships, policy support and sustainable funding to ensure no child is left behind,” he said, adding that the initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 5 on Gender Equality.
School authorities commended the foundation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
Mrs Ikunna Clementina, Headmistress of Community Primary School, said the materials would improve school attendance, restore pupils’ confidence and ease the burden on parents who could not afford basic learning supplies.
“Many of these children come from homes where parents struggle to provide such items. This gesture has brought joy and will positively affect academic performance,” she said.
The Ebubechukwu Eziokwe Foundation is a growing humanitarian organisation focused on combating illiteracy, with particular attention to improving access to education for children in rural communities.
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