The Genshakka Emmanuel Foundation (GEF) has paid the school fees of 89 underprivileged secondary school students across six schools in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Additionally, the foundation covered the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) registration fees for five determined mothers who, despite their challenges, continue their education at Government Secondary School (GSS) Bachi.
A Gesture of Humanity and Support
Speaking at the event held at GSS Bachi, Mr. Gotom Suwa, Director of Education at GEF, who represented the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that the initiative was purely an act of goodwill.
He stated that the foundation’s founder, though not a politician, understands the struggles of the less privileged and is committed to uplifting them through education.
Suwa explained that beneficiaries were carefully selected through a needs assessment. He urged the local government to consider engaging the five mothers in employment after their secondary education, recognizing their perseverance.
Call for Infrastructure and Development
During the event, Suwa also appealed to government stakeholders to prioritize the construction of roads leading to Bachi, emphasizing that better infrastructure would promote development and peace in the community.
Yakmap Naanbaan, GEF’s Protocol Officer, highlighted the foundation’s various programmes, including education, skill acquisition, agriculture, and healthcare. She encouraged students to complement their academic learning with vocational skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Other foundation representatives who participated in presenting the financial support included Mrs. Happy Emmanuel (wife of the CEO and Director of Skill Acquisition), Agash Destiny (Secretary), Gomar Fidelis (Director of Logistics), and Nasiru Kwangila (Media Coordinator).
Principals and Community Leaders Express Gratitude
The Principal of GSS Bachi, Mr. Yakubu Dagwong, described the foundation as “God-sent,” noting that the school informally supports some students whose families cannot afford fees due to financial struggles. He revealed that some community members voluntarily teach at the school due to a lack of adequate staff.
Community leaders, including Hon. Bature Suwa (Chairman of Riyom LGA, represented by Chief Abraham Tongjin), Hon. Timothy Dantong (Riyom Constituency Liaison Officer), and Mr. John James (Chairman, Bachi Development Association), all commended the foundation’s efforts.
They also called for collaboration in agriculture, given the agrarian nature of the district.
The District Head of Bachi, Da Gwom Rwey Bachi, Gyang Dalyop, expressed gratitude for the growing peace in the area, which is encouraging resettlement.
He called on the local government to introduce a scholarship scheme for underprivileged students and appealed to the state government to address the long-standing issue of bad roads.
A Community Rebuilding After Crisis
Bachi District, one of the hardest-hit areas in Riyom LGA due to past attacks, has seen significant loss of lives and property, leaving many widows and orphans in extreme poverty. Despite these challenges, the community, led by traditional and local leaders, is striving for recovery and stability.
Daily News Breakers observed that peacekeeping military personnel were stationed at the school to ensure security and maintain harmony among residents.
List of Beneficiary Schools
GSS Bachi – 35 students
GSS Sopp – 14 students
Community Secondary School Bangai – 10 students
Community Secondary School Lwa – 12 students
Community Secondary School Fang – 16 students
GSS Rim – 2 students
Through initiatives like this, the Genshakka Emmanuel Foundation continues to bring hope to communities in need, reinforcing the belief that education is a vital tool for empowerment and development.