A museum in the heart of the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is restoring hope to indigent students by ensuring their hope of securing education does not die.
The Waste Museum, as it is called, is home to various art works made of vehicle tires, plastics, nylon, cans, Styrofoam and even food wastes.
Aside from making art works from waste, Jumoke Olowookere, the founder and creative director of African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub, which runs the Waste Museum is also channeling her energy towards other projects like giving hope to the poor, needy and out of school children.
Some of the beneficiaries of the initiative of the Waste Museum are Samuel, Jethro and Okiki; three indigents, out of school children who have been hanging round the museum for some weeks now.
A few weeks back, Jumoke posted a message on social media to raise awareness on the plight of Samuel, a young out of school boy whose mother’s demise and his father’s unemployed state had kept him out of school for two years.
“The boy in this video below gatecrashed into our #WasteMuseum a few days ago. He came to see a mechanic opposite us and saw some of our work and then refused to go again.
I interviewed him and he told me he is 12 years old and has stopped going to school because his mum is late and his dad couldn’t afford his education.
So, for 2 years he has been roaming the streets. No school, no work. He eats anywhere there is food. He is very sharp and bright. He kept on saying and praying he wished I’m his mother so at least he can learn what we are doing. So, I asked him to bring his dad.
He came with his dad, and the dad gave me a fuller story about how Nigeria happened to him and he lost his job. He is a driver; he drives a Pastor who only gives him food money anytime he asks and not a fixed salary that he can plan with or use to send his son to school or learn a trade.
So, the conclusion is, I will try and get him a good Driver’s job so he can pay for his son’s school fees, then I will train him for free after school” she posted on Facebook.
Consequently, many kind hearted Nigerians turned up to assist the boy. One of such who heeded Jumoke’s clarion call was Ayo Fatokun of Ayo Fatokun Foundation who pledged to assist the boy.
“Amidst the education interventions I am working on for my constituency, this young and bright star from Akingbile was brought to the limelight by Jumoke Olowookere. He dropped out after primary school because his father couldn’t afford to make him continue schooling following the demise of his mum. I will ensure I get him into secondary school shortly and his education needs to be taken care of. He will also be learning how to convert waste to wealth from Jumoke Olowookere and subsequently enroll him to gain skills from @derayovocational.
His future is bright and my foundation; @ayo_fatokun_foundation will work towards helping him be a better person. I wish him the best life has to offer” he wrote.
A few days ago, Jumoke returned to Facebook to give an update on the children’s situation.
“To God be the glory, today Monday 8th November 2021, Samuel and the other 2 Jethro and Okiki returned to School after almost 2 years of them being out of school.
It was a beautiful day for the 3 of them and for me too for witnessing this event and being a vessel of God’s goodness to these young ones.
The joy on their faces as they resumed was unexplainable. Thank you, friends, for rising and taking up this mission together.
The school fees and school bags (for the 3 of them) have been paid and bought from the funds you all contributed. Thank you all so dearly. Thank you for making this dream a reality this soon.
Thank you to Ayo Fatokun Foundation for donating to the 3 of them also Exercise Books, School Shoes, Pen, Uniforms, Pencils Socks, and Sling bags. God bless you more” an excited Jumoke wrote.
