By Blessing Obams, JKNewsMedia Intern
RISING EDUCATION costs pose a significant challenge to Baytur Rahmah Orphan Foundation’s mission of supporting orphans across Nigeria.
The organization notes that in the 2023/2024 session alone, it spent nearly ₦5 million to ensure these children received both education and welfare support.
This achievement came through generous donations from individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of investing in the future of vulnerable children.
As the new academic session begins, the foundation announces it faces a projected bill of ₦3 million for just the first term.
Additional unpredictable welfare expenses also loom.
Moreover, sustaining these efforts depends on ongoing donations.
Currently, Baytur Rahmah says it supports 24 orphans at various educational stages across the country.
Among them, one is preparing for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), two are in their final university year, and three await university admission.
The rest are enrolled in primary and secondary schools.
One of the foundation’s wards, Aminat Olaitan Miskilu, stands out for her academic excellence, having achieved a first-class degree.
She is now seeking scholarships to continue her education after completing the mandatory year-long National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The foundation stresses that such academic successes, paired with strong moral values, motivate donors to continue their support.
However, the foundation also warned that beneficiaries who fail to meet acceptable academic or moral standards risk losing their sponsorship.
As change agents, these orphans are expected to excel in both academics and personal integrity. Failure or complacency not only disheartens donors but also undermines the mission to uplift society.
Further, the foundation extends its gratitude to its committed donors, many of whom remain anonymous, and organizations like Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Bi Jahi Fatiha Foundation, and MESH of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.
Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Baytur Rahmah Orphan Foundation, made an appeal to the public, urging socially responsible individuals to contribute towards building a better society by supporting orphans.
She emphasized that educating these children aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), particularly the commitment to “Leave No One Behind.”
Educating vulnerable groups like orphans helps reduce inequality and poverty, giving them a chance to contribute positively to society rather than becoming outcasts, she argued.
During the current session, Baytur Rahmah will be issuing cheques worth ₦1.5 million to cover first-term tuition and supplies for their wards.
Yusuf-Ajibade said the funds will go directly to the schools’ accounts.
Another ₦1.5 million will be allocated for orphans attending tertiary institutions whose tuition payments are still pending.
She appealed that more funds are urgently needed to meet the growing financial demands of the entire academic session and beyond.
This commitment to providing orphans with a solid education is ongoing, not a one-time initiative.
She said the foundation once again calls for additional donors and sponsors to join this rewarding cause, acknowledging that school fees and related expenses have risen significantly.
Despite these challenges however, Yusuf-Ajibade assures that Baytur Rahmah remains dedicated to its mission.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that no orphan is left behind in their educational journey. Supporting these children is an investment in a better future for all,” she stated.
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