MCDF celebrates graduation of pupils amid demolition and funding hurdles

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Beyond tuition-free education, the foundation provides daily transportation and meals to ensure pupils can attend school consistently and concentrate on learning.

Wheduto explained that the school transports children to and from the waterfront community using canoes every day.

“We use canoes to pick the students up for school every day. We also cook and provide free meals because when hunger is removed, the students can focus and learn,” he said.

Demolition, Funding Challenges Threaten Progress

Despite its impact, the foundation continues to struggle with inadequate funding, making it difficult to expand infrastructure, pay teachers’ salaries regularly, and provide learning materials and food for pupils.

Wheduto disclosed that the school has yet to receive support from the Lagos State Government, adding that government demolition exercises in Makoko also dealt a significant blow to the institution.

“We have not been able to develop the school to what we want it to be. We need support to pay our teachers, provide educational materials and food items for our students; the demolition in Makoko affected 4 of our 14 classrooms,” he said.

According to him, the foundation had about 650 pupils before the demolition exercise. That figure has since dropped to 445 pupils. This year’s graduating class comprised 48 pupils, including 18 primary school graduates and 30 nursery school graduates.

Parents Urged to Sustain Support

Coordinator of the Concerned Parents and Educators (CPE), Kemi Koleowo, whose organisation supports the foundation, encouraged the graduating pupils to remain focused on their education despite prevailing challenges. She also appealed to parents to continue supporting their children’s education.

“The children should take advantage of this opportunity, and their parents should continue to support them,” she said.

The event was attended by the Baale of Makoko Waterfront, Chief Shemede Emmanuel Ajaka, alongside representatives of the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders.

Edugist Makoko Tour And What We Discovered

A visit by Edugist correspondent, Nsikak Ibatt, to the Makoko waterfront revealed the difficult learning conditions confronting children in the community.

Many of the structures serving as classrooms are built on water and surrounded by an environment that offers little support for effective teaching and learning.

Yet, despite these challenges, the graduation ceremony reflected something far greater than academic progression; it was a celebration of resilience, determination and hope.

The confidence displayed by the graduating pupils through their presentations underscored the life-changing impact education can have, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Makoko’s story serves as a reminder that when children are given protection, opportunity and access to quality education, they can rise above their circumstances and realise their full potential.

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