FGCE Project Hope, The Journey Continues……….

The FGCE Project Hope idea commenced with desperate e-mails and pictures on the state of affairs in our school Federal Government College, Enugu in October 2008. Two years later, progress is still being made. To help put our progress in perspective, we will go down memory lane, to recount the Project Hope milestones recorded to date and the key learning points....

Working the Plan; Raising the Cash and Refurbishing the Classrooms:

We prepared the FGCE Project Hope Terms-of-Reference and obtained the implementation buy-in from the Students, Teachers, and Parents.  The FGCE PTA is a key supporter of FGCE Project Hope.  FGCE Old Students have provided financially, moral and intellectual support and we have a builder in Enugu, who commenced the refurbishment of two classrooms. 

One of the refurbished classrooms

We are currently undertaking the refurbishment of the remaining 3 classrooms in the JSS-1 block.  The  FGCE Authorities have copied our template for classroom refurbishment and standards and have commenced the refurbishment of the JSS-2 and JSS-3 blocks.

Following our advocacy efforts, FGCE Authorities have also agreed to reduce the population of students in each class, from average of 65 students per class, to 40 students per class.  We are still driving to ensure that an optimum number of 30 students per class, is adopted by FGCE.

We have also participated in the following events:

The First Career Talk:

The first FGCE Project Hope Career day held on 27th March 2009, was our first opportunity to directly engage with the Teachers and students.  .  Some Old Students namely- Gbenga Famurewa, Chiwetalu Obikwelu,-, Nnena Madu, Kanu Ijere, Nick Wachukwu, Jideofor Echezor and Belije Madu gave talks on undertaking careers in Entrepreneurship, Geosciences, Banking and Finance, law, Information Technology, Medicine and Engineering.  The questions from the students were never-ending, and proved that the Career day that Project Hope was needed.. 

The 36th Prize Giving Day:

Plaques for students

The FGCE 36th Prize Giving Day was held on 27th June 2009.  Where more than 40 Old students had endowed different prizes, under the FGCE Project Hope umbrella.  The students where excited and motivated by the FGCE Project Hope Prizes.  Since for the first time, instead of the normal wrapped educational material such as notebooks and an attendant certificate, Plaques and cash prizes of N10,000 was being presented to the students.  While plaques and cash prizes of N20, 000 were also presented to the teachers.

Supporting the Teacher:

In 2009 we sponsored 9 teachers for various developmental trainings in Minna, Abuja and Ibadan, and in 2011, we co-sponsored 3 laboratory attendants for training in Lagos.

The Second Career Talk:

The following Old Students participated in the Career day- Bill Anaka, Timi Timi Ebibomo, Ifeanyi Okuma, Nnena Madu, Omo Omoruyi, Chinelo Echetebu, and Belije Madu.. 

Belije giving career advice

We took learning from the 1st Career talk and after an initial discussion, broken into the various groups : (i) Intending Medical Students (ii) Intending Engineering Students (iii) Intending Law Students (iv) Intending Information Technology Students.  It was a day to remember.

The Reunion and Founders Day:

The 36th FGCE Founders Day and Old Students Reunion was held on 21st- 23rd January 2010.  We used the occasion to re-launch the FGCE Project Hope Initiative.  It was then formally adopted by FGCE Old Students association.

The 37th Prize Giving Day:

The FGCE 37th Prize Giving Day was held on 3rd July 2010. FGCE Old Students endowed 45 Student and 10 Teacher prizes, under the FGCE Project Hope initiative.   On that day, FGCE Old Students were challenged to bring increased Federal Government presence to the institution.  Since FGCE has produced Governors and Ministers, who are still active in Nigeria.

Edward Anoliefo  presenting one of the prizes

The Key Note speaker categorically stated that the challenge was for FGCE Old students to ensure that the current dilapidated infrastructure was rehabilitated.

The Journey continues....

The Journey continues and we appeal to you to support either financially or physically as we work towards completing the 3nos. outstanding classroom refurbishment, participating in the 38th FGCE Prize Giving Day and holding the 2011 Career Day.

We need your support more than ever! 

• Reach out to Belije or Chikwe (for those outside Nigeria) to contribute for 2011

• Invite your friends that went to FGCE to join the project. 

• Join us during the 38th FGCE Prize Giving Day and holding the 2011 Career Day in Enugu 

• Don't take our word for it, visit the school and see for yourself what Project Hope is doing!

• Don't let the dream die....

Please take the following link to our website and Facebook page……………..

FGCE Project Hope, The Journey So Far...

I still remember vividly how it all began; it started with e-mails in October 2008.

My set left Federal Government College Enugu (FGCE) in 1988, and borrowing the idea from the 1989 set, had started considering what we could quickly put together, to mark 20 years since we left FGCE. We had received information that FGCE was in poor state and needed help; we held robust e-mail discussions on the best way to help. The were suggestions of donations of various sorts, ranging from cash to books. We also had suggestions of a one-off visit for a career day. We also had some people suggesting that the best way to help was to contact the Nigerian Education policy makers and brief them on the situation.

I remember Chikwe Ihekweazu interrupting our discussions, with a suggestion that if we really wanted to help, we should rise above “token donations” commonly obtained in the Nigerian environment and engage with the FGCE; with a view of influencing the education sector- he outlined a rough roadmap and plan. To be honest, I wondered if Chikwe really understood what he was talking about; having left Nigeria some years back. Some of us, who are still resident in Nigeria, had a better grip of the situation on ground. However, we all resolved that the best way forward was for someone to visit FGCE and assess the situation on ground, before we could agree the way forward. I volunteered, not because I was really interested, but because I felt that was the best way to end the discussion, on engaging with FGCE.

The Initial Visit

Corridors of Form 1 Block

I visited FGCE in November 2008, making it 12+ years since I last set foot on the School premises. To be honest, I had physiologically prepared myself, but even then, I was shocked at the level of deterioration of the infrastructure and discipline level of the students. As agreed, I took pictures of the school and demanded to have a discussion with the Principal, regarding our plans to do something for the School. I was informed that due to imbroglio on the new education system, which was then being proposed by the Minister of Education, that FGCE did not have a Principal. However, I could speak to the Acting Principal if I was interested. My discussion with Acting Principal summarized the issue – FGCE was in a rot and could not help itself; external help, if possible, from Old students will be accepted. Clearly, the Acting Principal did not believe that the Old students could deliver anything, sustainable.


The Terms of Reference

When I got back to Port Harcourt, I gave my report via e-mail; from then onwards, the task before us was very straight forward; FGCE was in “dire straits”, anything we could do, would be of help. Having seen the rot in the School, firsthand, I was eager to start, but Chikwe insisted on a more structured approach to solving the problem. Thus receiving contributions from Chuma Maduekwe, Chioma Nwobi, Gbenga Famurewa and Mirian Kachikwu, we prepared the terms-of-reference and sent out appeals for donations; FGCE Project Hope was born. We then started reaching out to alumni to join us on this journey. Despite some initial scepticism, slowly colleagues began to understand the enormity of the problems and decided to join the train. The principle being that, in FGCE Project Hope, there is no hierarchy; all FGCE Old Students are de-facto co-leaders of this project. A vibrant e-group became the forum for all decisions regarding the project. With everyone committing a significant amount of resources to the project, we all engaged in its activities.

Working the Plan; Raising the Cash and Refurbishing the Classrooms

Mrs Anowor - PH Focal Point

I remember visiting FGCE for the 2nd time, armed with several copies of the FGCE Project Hope Terms-of-Reference and demanding an audience with the Acting Principal. I was informed that a new Principal had been appointed for the School. Mr. Esan, the new Principal, was moved to tears, when he read the Project Hope terms-of-reference and pledged his supported. He promptly delegated Mrs. Anowor- the Head of Guidance and Counselling department, to act as the School focal point. I got back to Port Harcourt and recommenced the Project Hope Fund drive with a renewed zeal. Gradually, the cash began to trickle in. We promptly mobilized a builder in Enugu, who commenced the refurbishment of two classrooms.


The First Project Hope Career Day

FGCE Project Hope Career day held on 27th March 2009, was our first opportunity to engage with the Teachers and students. It was a rowdy affair. Mrs. Anwor had involved Mrs. Uko, who was very enthusiastic about Project Hope and the potential benefits for the School. This was the first time the Old students were visiting FGCE to discuss potential careers with current students and it was difficult to get the students to keep quiet. Some Old Students namely- Gbenga Famurewa, Chiwetalu Obikwelu,-, Nnena Madu, Kanu Ijere, Nick Wachukwu, Jideofor Echezor and myself gave talks on undertaking careers in Entrepreneurship, Geosciences, Banking and Finance, law, Information Technology, Medicine and Engineering. The questions from the students were never-ending, and it became obvious to all of us that participated in the Career day that Project Hope was needed, more that we initially believed. After the Career day, we had a get-together with some of the Teachers and inspected the classrooms being refurbished.

Dr Ezinwa and future Medical Students at PH career day

The activities of FGCE Project Hope are financed by contributions from FGCE Old Students. For a time limited period of 3 years, we have committed to contribute £200.00 (N50,000) in the first year and £100 (N25,000) for 3 subsequent years. All disbursements are accounted for in detail, and everyone has a say. We realise that this is a big ask, but the challenge is huge. We will be happy to accept instalments or indeed a donation of whatever you can afford if you cannot manage the above.

Thank you so much for your time and look forward to hearing from you. For details on the project, check out our website.


You can follow the Project Hope on Facebook

Stay tuned for the concluding story of FGCE Project Hope, The Journey So Far……….with briefs on the 36th Prize Giving Day, the Second Career Talk, the 2010 Reunion and Founders Day, the 37th Prize Giving Day and the Journey so far.


Belije Madu 


If you want to know your past- look into your present conditions.


If you want to know your future-look into your present actions. - Chinese Proverb







--

Do something amazing this Christmas - Join us on PROJECT HOPE

About a year ago, driven by the unrelenting energy of Belije Mmadu a few of us decided not to continue moaning about the state of affairs in several parts of our country but to seek ways on engaging in a small cause that means a lot to us. Belije challenged about the state of Federal Government College Enugu. This school that has been central to whatever we are today was run down and in a state of utter neglect abandoned by Government BUT also crucially abandoned by its Alma Mata!
Can we really continue in our lives....while this school rots…can you?

No....

We decided to re-engage with the school. We could have visited the school, donated a few old clothes and maybe bit of cash and appeased our conscience. But No ...we would do this in the same structured way we had learnt to work in our professional lives. We went to the school and did a needs assessment. Talked to the Principal, Teachers and Students. Came up with a plan, a budget, milestones and clear deliverables. It has been one year now....and what a journey its been!

We inspected the classrooms...and they were in a derelict state as you cn see above. We could not do anything without confronting this....so we started. We started where we all started - the Form 1 Block. The pictures tell just a bit of the story. But one desk at a time...the school is changing.

But then - buildings on their own have not educated anyone. So in the last year we have organised 2 career days in the school where old students and members of the project have gone to the school. Given up a full day to spend with the students, delivering talks and giving one-to-one sessions on how to make career choices. Then we got involved in the prize giving day and raised the bar to new levels. Encouraging excellence and academic curiosity. The most powerful impact on students might not be the formal sessions but the insight for the students that someone does care about them....the inspiration they have drawn.

Finally - we knew that there was nothing we could achieve without the teachers. To encourage teachers, we sponsored them on workshops and conferences. But most importantly, we found two incredible allies. Two teachers that have made Project Hope their own - Mrs Anowor and Mrs Uko I sat down with this ladies in the summer and talked...and literarily could not stop the tears from flowing down. I realised that these are no different from the teachers I had in front of me 20 years ago....they made me who I am and have never stopped....

Its been a tough year, a really tough year from most perspectives. But there is great gratification from Project Hope (http://www.fgce-hope.com/). Knowing that despite all the tough times, one is part of a small group doing something very special for a school that means so much to us.


Join us on this journey and share the feeling, it is amazing. The job is still a long way from done. We do believe we can inspire a new generation of students out of FGCE to believe in their country and its people.

By joining us - we can make this dream a reality. To find out how...just reply this email.

Please don’t look away, join us on Project Hope.

Have a great Christmas!....and remember what it really is about....

Supporting the Teachers in Project Hope

As part of our PROJECT HOPE we set ourselves 4 main objectives that we plan to give equal attention:

1. Transform the classrooms
2. Mentor students
3. Reward excellence
4. Support the teachers

Now...we were not really sure about how we will achieve this last one when we set out but we knew that it was extremely important. We are extremely lucky on the project to have two teachers leading from the front on our behalf in Enugu. One is Mrs Anowor - the Head of the Guidance and Counselling Department and Mrs Uko an economics teacher.

I had very little time on a recent trip to Nigeria but Belije, our able coordinator insisted that I go to FGCE....so I arrived Enugu on the 8pm ARIK flight to and headed off to FGCE the next morning.

These are two amazing teachers and they have given me renewed confidence that this project cannot afford to fail. They took me with pride to the classrom we were renovating and showed me around the rest of the school (I will update on this later). The difference was clear.

But what really killed me was when they spoke about the prizes we gave to students for excelling in different sheres of eneavour and what it meant to the students. There was a new buzz in air. This was PROJECT HOPE time and she warned that we should watch out for some firece competition next year. We are sure ready for it.

We had recently sponsored Mrs Anowor for the annual conference of her professional association. From her top drawer, neatly packed away in an envelope she brought our her certificate and pictures...and handed them to me. She said these words....thank you my son....and the tears literally burst down my face. Memories of 1983... unbelievably 26 years ago when I was dropped of with my hoe, bcket and cardboard box for a new life at FGCE.

We ended the visit with a short courtesy call on the principal.A gentleman who seemed determined to turn things around. Yes things are tough in Naija BUT we really have no option but to engage. I sleep a little better now knowing that we are making a difference...and for all those on this journey with us...you can be ruerlly proud.

But the journey continues...

Find a few more pictures here.

This project is open to everyone as equal partners. More information can be found on our website http://www.fgce-hope.com/

Supporting the Teachers in Project Hope

As part of our PROJECT HOPE we set ourselves 4 main objectives that we plan to give equal attention:

1. Transform the classrooms
2. Mentor students
3. Reward excellence
4. Support the teachers

Now...we were not really sure about how we will achieve this last one when we set out but we knew that it was extremely important. We are extremely lucky on the project to have two teachers leading from the front on our behalf in Enugu. One is Mrs Anowor - the Head of the Guidance and Counselling Department and Mrs Uko an economics teacher.

I had very little time on a recent trip to Nigeria but Belije, our able coordinator insisted that I go to FGCE....so I arrived Enugu on the 8pm ARIK flight to and headed off to FGCE the next morning.

These are two amazing teachers and they have given me renewed confidence that this project cannot afford to fail. They took me with pride to the classrom we were renovating and showed me around the rest of the school (I will update on this later). The difference was clear.

But what really killed me was when they spoke about the prizes we gave to students for excelling in different sheres of eneavour and what it meant to the students. There was a new buzz in air. This was PROJECT HOPE time and she warned that we should watch out for some firece competition next year. We are sure ready for it.

We had recently sponsored Mrs Anowor for the annual conference of her professional association. From her top drawer, neatly packed away in an envelope she brought our her certificate and pictures...and handed them to me. She said these words....thank you my son....and the tears literally burst down my face. Memories of 1983... unbelievably 26 years ago when I was dropped of with my hoe, bcket and cardboard box for a new life at FGCE.

We ended the visit with a short courtesy call on the principal.A gentleman who seemed determined to turn things around. Yes things are tough in Naija BUT we really have no option but to engage. I sleep a little better now knowing that we are making a difference...and for all those on this journey with us...you can be ruerlly proud.

But the journey continues...

This project is open to everyone as equal partners. More information can be found on our website http://www.fgce-hope.com/

FGCE 36th Annual Speech and Prize Giving Day - Dairy of an Old Student

I had received several e-mails from the FGCE Project Hope Team on the FGCE Speech and Prize Giving Day scheduled for Saturday-27th June 2009. Curiosity more than anything else, drove me to attend; gist had it that the School deteriorated badly. In those “good, old days", I faintly remember that Speech and Prize Giving days were held, but since I never won anything, my only involvement was that of a back-bencher. But to be honest, the prizes were not memorable, as well.

So…what could possibly have changed 20 years on...

Well, on that Saturday, I left my base for Enugu, armed with the determination to enjoy myself in town, if the FGCE Speech and Prize Giving Day did not turn-up with anything entertaining…anyhow Enugu will be fun! To be honest, as I drove into FGCE everything had changed from what it was 20+ years ago. The were new buildings- I was informed that those were new classrooms. The Principals’ house was still by the gate, but there were now trees inside the school compound. These must be from the tree planting exercise, we participated in, while we were still students.

Everything including the road looked a little-bit dilapidated.

The venue for the event was the School Auditorium, which had been “completed”, without a ceiling, windows or utilities. At least, this was some semblance of progress, as during “our days” the School Auditorium, looked like a never-ending project. From the venue, you could see the Admin building, staff room and Tuck-Center-all looking dilapidated and dire need of paint and refurbishment.

However, standing outside the Auditorium were a couple of Old students and Teachers -in flowing academic gowns- all smiling and in high spirits. It was good seeing old friends-both seniors and juniors and of course, some who you did not meet or did not meet you in FGCE. It gradually dawned on me, that despite the fact that FGCE was now in poor shape, it had indeed produced a lot of remarkable people. A couple of teachers ran across to me and pinned a broche on the lapel of my jacket and handed me a colourful brochure- they seemed determined to impress.

Something was in the air...I could not quite pin point it.

It was 10.30 in the morning and the Students and Guests were trickling into the auditorium; it did not look as if the event was still going to start as scheduled, so I took a stroll round the School compound, to relive the best years of my past life. The junior 2-storey classroom block, looking like an abandoned relic, now had 2 new classroom blocks behind it. As I strolled through the block, mentally identifying the positions I once occupied, I came across 2 classrooms newly refurbished and looking out of place;

I was informed, that these were the Classrooms being refurbished by the FGCE Project Hope team.

Across the road, was the Unity and Liberty House Boarding House block, windowless, dilapidated and dirty. The same VIP toilets and bathrooms constructed 20+ years ago; when I was still a student were still being used. I deferred to caution, and observed from a distance, that the building was no longer in use. The PE building, from where Mr. Ama used to run the Sports affairs of the school, was no longer functional and the windows were boarded. Same goes for the building that served as a mosque; I wondered if the School still had any Muslim students? The Independence-Honesty-Peace House block looked as if it had just been renovated. Though some students were busy playing football along the corridor, the doors were locked. I headed back for the auditorium with the conclusion that if nothing else; the School was desperately in need of a grass-cutting campaign.

By the time I got back, the auditorium was almost full. Members of the High table had taken their seats and the National Anthem was being sung. I was informed by a Teacher seating next to me that those on the High table are as follows:

* Chairman- Prof. B. C. Ozumba (from UNN- Enugu Campus).
* Chief Host - Principal FGCE - Mr. E. Esan.
* Chairman Organising Committee- Vice Principal (Academics) FGCE - Mrs. I. Asuelinmen.
* Special Guest- President FGCE Old Students Association - Lagos Branch - Timi Ebitimi.
* Guest Speaker - Dr. Emma Owuamalam.
* Keynote Speaker - Bala Yusuf -Secretary General USOSA-(Representing Albert Okumagba)
* Special Guest- PTA Chairman- Mr. Emma Ikeagwuonu.
* Special Guest- Mr. Abia - Former Principal
* A representative of the Hon. Minister of Education.

The FGCE anthem was also sung and thereafter, the FGCE pledge and welcome songs were performed by the School Choir, led by the Music Teacher-Mrs. Okereke- who had not changed very much.

The Principal gave the traditional report on the School, of which the only interesting fact, is that 70% of the students are day-students. I then wondered, how the population of the School still managed to reflect the Federal Character, which was one of the key drivers for starting the School? He acknowledged the effort of FGCE Project Hope, and pleaded for more assistance.

The Hon. Minster for Education’s representative, read her speech, which was flat and uninspiring. The Guest speaker then presented his speech on -The Child, The School and The Parents. For me the top event of the day, turned out to be address of the Keynote speaker on Restoration of Federal Government Colleges in Nigeria - The Role of Non Governmental Institutions. The address chronicled the history of Federal Govt. Colleges (Unity Schools), including their current predicament and charted the way forward. A copy of the speech ought to be circulated to all well meaning Nigerians, interested in addressing the current rot in the Educational sector.

We had some students present the news in French, which I was unable to follow, since I had abandoned my French lessons sometime last year, but was enthusiastically received by Parents, Teachers and Guests. The potential still existing in the students was clearly obvious.
By this time, the student were getting restless and itching for the presentation of the prizes to commence. The presentation of the prizes started with 5 students who had won a National competition. Thereafter academic prizes were presented to the best 3 students in each of the 16 SS-1 classes. By the time academic prizes had been presented to the top-3 students in the 13 SS-2 and 12 SS-3 classes (123 prizes in all), exhaustion had set in.
There was a general buzz of excitement as we moved on to the FGCE Project Hope Prizes. The source of excitement was that a different set of prizes was being distributed, this time; the presentation was being made by some Old students. Instead of the normal wrapped educational material such as notebooks and an attendant certificate.

Plaques and cash prizes of N10,000 was being presented to the students. While plaques and cash prizes of N20, 000 were also presented to the teachers.

The MC kept on announcing that students should be careful with the envelopes containing their cash prizes, as both parents and students jostled to ensure that they were not omitted in the FGCE Project Hope prize presentation. I looked at my watch and discovered that time had indeed flown-by. It was a couple of minutes to 4 p.m. and the rumblings from my stomach indicated that it was time to look for lunch, despite the light refreshment already served. As I got up to leave, a teacher handed me an invitation to a dinner party at the Principals residence.

The school cultural troupe, led by the Music Teacher- Mrs. Okereke was performing, when I walked out of the Auditorium.

As I got into my car and headed for the gate, I wondered if this was not a true case of rebranding the Nigerian situation? The current situation looked bad, but with FGCE Project Hope, the openness of the school administration and the support of the public, there appeared to be a ray of sunshine, emerging from behind the clouds. Truly, I had been entertained...but the struggle continues.

For details of the event, the speeches, prizes and more pictures visit
http://www.fgce-hope.com/index.html

To be part of this amazing project bringing hope to future leaders of Nigeria...go to our website... http://www.fgce-hope.com/contact.asp

OR leave a comment on the blog with your email...or reply if you get this by email...

FGCE Project Hope

In 2008 a number of us visited our old school; Federal Government College Enugu and we found a school in total disrepair. The school that we looked back on with nostalgia has become a skeleton of its old self.

This is an example of what we saw....


It was time to re-engage....and FGCE Project hope was born....

Project Hope is a partnership between FGCE old students and Federal Government College Enugu.

The project initiated in October 2008, by FGCE old students, is aimed at supporting the school authorities in their efforts to raise infrastructure, academic, discipline and social responsibility standards, to global levels. In doing this, we hope to ensure a conducive learning environment for the students and also to encourage other old students and the wider community to engage with their Alma Mata on similar projects with a view to raising education standards nationwide. We hope to use Project Hope to create a platform for partnership between FGCE Old Students, FGCE teachers, FGCE PTA and current FGCE students to achieve this vision.

FGCE-Project Hope is premised on the fact that many old students have acquired expertise in different areas of human endeavour and are passionate about Federal Government College Enugu and would join hands in restoring it to its lost glory.


WE COMMIT TO ENGAGE WITH THE SCHOOL TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES....

• Transform the FGCE learning and living environment.
• Set-up a mentorship scheme between old students and current students.
• Support the teachers towards enhanced academic delivery and higher discipline standards.
• Reward academic excellence and high standards of discipline. While ensuring equal focus on integrity, community service and leadership.

The vision of FGCE Project Hope is ...

To produce students who are motivated to actualise their potentials and who are being taught in conducive learning environments, support teachers motivated and well equipped to teach and train students entrusted in their care, and through this work produce an example that will encourage and serve as a learning point for other Alumni of other FGC’s to engage with their respective schools.

To hear more...or to get involved contact us HERE