2025 Free Summer School & Skill Acquisition Program
Location: State School Sangana, Rivers State
State School Sangana, Rivers State
In August 2025, Okachi Charity Foundation (OCF) launched its first free Summer School Program in the Sangana community of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Guided by our mission of “One Public School at a Time”, this initiative targeted children in Primary 2 to Primary 6 from surrounding public schools who had either failed, barely passed, or were struggling academically.
The program enrolled 200 children, supported by 20 private school teachers and 6 non-teaching staff. Together, we created a nurturing environment where academics met creativity, discipline met encouragement, and every child was given a chance to rediscover the joy of learning.
WHY
- Academic Support to help struggling pupils catch up and build confidence in their studies.
- Skill Development to nurture talents outside the classroom, recognizing that not every child thrives through academics alone.
Skill Acquisition Highlights
Karate
Initially perceived as a “fighting class,” karate became a profound tool for discipline, patience, and respect. Many of the children enrolled were behaviorally challenged. By the final week, we saw transformations: children who once resisted standing in line now queued calmly, bowed in respect, and carried themselves with self control.
Sewing
The sewing class revealed hidden passions. One memorable student, a fifth-grade boy, proudly sewed a pair of shorts after only one day of instruction. He shared how he had long mended his school uniforms and buttons, waiting for an opportunity to develop this passion. Sewing gave him both validation and a new vision for his future.
Art Class
The art workshop, centered on canvases generously donated by partners, provided children with a release for emotions often bottled up. Troubled and angry children found peace in colors, shapes, and brushstrokes. Their smiles while holding up their work reminded us that expression itself is healing.
Daily Rhythm & Support Systems
Classes ran on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Every day began with excitement as children streamed through the gates, greeted by teachers who treated them with respect and care. Lunch was a highlight, ensuring no child learned on an empty stomach. For many, this daily meal was their most consistent nourishment and it encouraged enrollment and consistent attendance.
- •Behavioral Change: Children once restless and disruptive learned discipline, patience, and respect.
- •Teacher-Student Bonds: Students testified that they previously feared teachers, believing they were unapproachable. Through OCF, they discovered teachers as mentors and friends ,individuals who listened, encouraged, and guided.
- •Self-Expression: Troubled children found healthy outlets through art, sewing, and karate.
- •Community Joy: Parents and guardians expressed gratitude for the growth they witnessed at home in discipline, creativity, and excitement for school.
- •Memorable Closing: On the final day, thanks to the generosity of partners like IMAX Cinemas and our food vendors, children celebrated their journey with a special outing marking their first cinema experience.
In my farewell speech, I told the children: “I hope you are not here next year not because we do not love you, but because this program is for those still struggling. Our dream is to see you excel, thrive, and move forward.”
The smiles on their faces, their questions, and their gratitude confirmed what OCF stands for: education that transforms lives, one child at a time.
This Summer School was not just about learning it was about restoring dignity, sparking dreams, and proving that with the right support, every child can shine.
We are proud to carry this initiative forward as an enduring legacy expanding it to four states and multiple schools. Beginning this year, the program will become an annual occurrence across four key regions, ensuring that countless more children are reached, empowered, and inspired.