Hope Fountain Schools celebrated its 20th anniversary end of session and graduation party on Saturday, 20th July, 2024 with parents/guardians, government officials, directors, teachers, religious leaders, Deaf Associations and several other dignitaries in attendance.
The 20th milestone year event organised by the school was to celebrate students with disabilities and graduands who have completed rigours of academic and moral training and are now qualified for the next level in their academic and life endeavours.
Speaking in his welcome address, the founder and director of the school, Mr Tony Nwokolo said he was happy and proud of how far the school has gone and like last year during the 19th anniversary celebration, the director said though he cannot hear, his eyes are working perfectly. And with his eyes, many things have been achieved over the years.
Speaking on how the school was founded in 2004, the director noted that the Hope Fountain was coined 20 years ago to represent a movement and revolution designed to bring succour to students in a hopeless or frustrating situation.
He said the idea was to bring bright light to a people in perpetual darkness and despair in academic, moral, social, economic.
The school currently has a student with disability population of 120 in Lagos campus with 20 staff members and 30 in Enugu school both day and boarding.
Speaking further Nwokolo said, “our school is presently one of the best three schools for the deaf in Nigeria by conservative estimates and academically and morally, we are the best in Lagos State if not the entire South West States.”
He further added that the school has trained thousands of deaf children , youth, and adults who have become useful and well behaved members of the society. Some have relocated abroad in search of greener pastures since 2004.
The director however admitted all these are not as rosy as they seem.
According to him, “we are faced with much challenges including, limited funds and resources for running our school program, late school fees payment by parents/guardians, limited space, lack of credit facilities and others like; sick bay/school clinic, science laboratory, school bus, building materials to develop permanent site.”
Mr Nwokolo calls for support of parents, government, private sectors, others to ameliorate the successful running of the school.
Also speaking, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by Internal Audit, Mrs. Lasisi Olajumoke congratulated the students and school managements for their achievements and progress over the years.
According to her, “you are an inspiration to us all, and we are honoured to be part of your journey. You are amazing just the way you are, your uniqueness makes you special. Your abilities are limitless and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Speaking further, Olajumoke said “communication is not just about speaking. It is about expressing yourself and you are doing that beautifully. You are smart, capable and talented and don’t let anyone ever make you feel otherwise. Your differences are what makes you strong and you are an inspiration to others. Congratulations once again and we wish you more of this type of celebration.”
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-alase, founder and former President of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN), urged parents to take good care of their children with disabilities and make them part of their families.
She said, “don’t look down on children with disabilities, even a deaf child could perform better than his hearing counterparts and potentially be your breadwinner later in the future.”
She also tasked parents to learn sign language to facilitate easy communication with their Deaf children.
Mrs. Esther idemudia, a parent of deaf child, said her family had to learn sign language so as to make communicate easier with their deaf son. She encouraged parents to find time to sit together with their deaf sons/daughters and learn the language, adding that her family are now happy they can communicate with their son.
The event was marked with different presentations where deaf students displayed scintillating dance performances and they were a beauty to watch, other presentations include; school choir, choreography, drama presentation and award of prizes for academic excellence.
1 comment
May the Lord of the Universe continue to bless the Founder of the School with healthy life, Long life and prosperity so as to enable him to ensure sustainability and growth of the school. May HE bless all the staffers and the students. Hope Fountain school forever, by the Grace of God. Ameen. A School for your loved kid.