Israel has donated a Research Skill Development Computer Classroom Centre to Nigeria to boost educational growth of the girl-child in the country.
Amb. Michael Freeman, the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, while donating the centre to Regina Pacis College on Wednesday in Abuja, said “it is to commemorate Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel.”
Michael, also the permanent representative of Israel to ECOWAS, described Golda as the first female Prime Minister of Israel, who had contributed to the emergence and growth of that country.
According to him, the choice of the school is to encourage girl-child education through donation of 20-pieces of computers, projector, reading tables and chairs, library books and other learning accessories.
Michael said embracing technology was one of the most vital ingredients of success for 21st century leaders and most successful global leaders understand how to leverage technology in managing and leading people.
“The use of technology means better healthcare, better agriculture and of course, better education for the people of the world.
“This fully equipped computer classroom will facilitate the development of students’ computer skills and leadership skills, which is necessary to groom future leaders for Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.
“This donation is in memory of Golda, who was an advocate for peace and instrumental in promoting Israeli policy of assistance to new African states to enhance diplomatic support among nations.
“Just like Golda, the next president of Nigeria may be a student of this school, like Golda, we can help young girls of today to acquire the skills necessary to lead a nation.”
He stressed that it had become important for young children in schools, especially young girls to have early access to technology in terms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Also speaking at the event, Monsignor Kenneth Enang, the Chairman of Education in the Archdiocese of Abuja, expressed appreciation to the Israeli embassy for donation of the educational facility.
Enang, also in charge of the Pope John Paul 11 Catholic Centre, said that the educational facility would help to boost girl-child education in the country.
“The proper use of God’s given talents by Israelis has placed Israel among a committee of developed nations within a short expanse of its existence, international and human commitment.
“This small country has made educational progress and we are touched by its great development.
“A country which is not even as big as Nigeria has brought goodness to a country with 270 million people; Israel has given an example of selfless generosity, which Nigeria must emulate.
“What you have done today is the foundation for women’s education in Nigeria; we know that when women are developed, the country is developed.
“By this research centre, especially situated in a girl school, is awesomely significant because it will give the girls a place to develop their talents and then advance in the future,” Enang said.
Responding, Rev. Sr. Maria Igbo, the Principal of Regina Pacis College, said that the education facilities would help to improve teaching and learning in the school.
According to her, the gesture by the Israeli embassy had further alerted the school that a lot is expected from output, saying “It is not just getting computers, but it is being able to take care of them.
“To maintain the standards and look forward to attaining set goals, we have over 800 students and we are fully a boarding school.
“The capacity can take over 1,500 students, it is a big school and we are expanding, and remodeling our classrooms to meet standards; by equipping our classes with projectors and other technological facilities.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in any way that we can to meet international standards,” Igbo said.
The donation of the centre by Israel through partnership with Skill-G Nigeria Ltd., attracted Cardinal John Onaiyekan, stakeholders of the diplomatic community, Catholic Commission, as well as Parent Teachers Association of the school.
The high points of the event were the inauguration of the Centre by Freeman, cultural dance display by Atilogwu troupes and musical rendition by the school choir.
NAN
