No fewer than 600 residents of Waru Community in Apo, Abuja, benefited from scholarships, business grants and relief materials during a community outreach programme organised by the Jessie Eddy Foundation in collaboration with L2D International and other partners.
The outreach, held at Waru Primary School, targeted vulnerable families, women, children and young entrepreneurs through educational support, economic empowerment and welfare interventions.
Founder of the Foundation, Jesse Eddy, said the initiative was designed to provide immediate relief for disadvantaged households while creating sustainable opportunities for women and children through education and entrepreneurship. As part of the programme, the Foundation paid school fees for 50 children to enable them return to school, while another 50 students received support for the registration of Junior and Senior WAEC examinations.
Beneficiaries also received educational materials, including exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers and child development books. In the area of women empowerment, five women were awarded business support grants to strengthen and expand their enterprises. Mothers who participated in interactive sessions and competitions also received cash prizes and financial support to assist their families.
One of the major highlights of the event was the recognition of a 15-year-old fashion designer who produced costumes used by children during stage performances. In recognition of her creativity and entrepreneurial potential, a partner of the Foundation presented her with a N500,000 business grant.
Similarly, a coordinator responsible for mentoring children who showcased their talents through music, dance, fashion parades and other creative activities, received a cash gift of N200,000 in appreciation of her contribution to child development. The Foundation also distributed hundreds of welfare items to residents, including food supplies and personal care products. Beneficiaries received rice, noodles, spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, beverages, biscuits and other household essentials, alongside sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bathing soap and sponges.
The event featured cultural and creative performances by children, including dance presentations, music displays and fashion parades, while parents participated in activities aimed at promoting family bonding and community engagement. Speaking on the significance of the outreach, Eddy said the foundation remains committed to removing barriers to education, empowering women economically and supporting vulnerable families facing hardship.
He expressed appreciation to partners, donors, volunteers and supporters for contributing to the success of the programme and called on individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to collaborate with the foundation in expanding support for underserved communities.
According to him, sustained investment in education, entrepreneurship and social welfare remain critical to building stronger and more resilient communities across the country.
