NAS takes Back-to-School campaign to Bayelsa school, promotes literacy, academic excellence
…donates school bags, books, inaugurates reading club
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Oxbow Marino Deck, has taken its Back-to-School campaign to Tarakiri Community Secondary School, Ayama-Ijaw, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The initiative is aimed at promoting education, literacy, academic excellence and a sustainable reading culture among secondary school students.
It also provided essential educational materials to support the students’ academic development and established a reading club to sustain the impact of the intervention.
The Cap’n of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arch. Timiebi Binafeigha, who led members of the association to the school, said the intervention was a pilot project.
Binafeigha said the initiative was designed to be replicated and expanded to other schools and communities in the future.
He urged the students to take the programme seriously and make effective use of the educational materials provided.
Ahead of the school visit, Binafeigha featured on the state-owned Radio Bayelsa 97.1 FM, where he discussed the association’s advocacy efforts and the objectives of the Back-to-School campaign.
The Principal of the school, Mrs. Mathew Ebitei, urged the students to embrace the reading advocacy and take advantage of the knowledge and opportunities provided through the project.
Ebitei expressed appreciation to the National Association of Seadogs, Oxbow Marino Deck, for selecting Tarakiri Community Secondary School for the intervention.
The advocacy session was delivered by renowned author and educationist, Madam Annette David-West, on the theme: “The Importance of Reading, Literacy, Academic Excellence and Personal Development.”
David-West emphasised the importance of reading in achieving academic success, intellectual development, character formation and personal growth.
She encouraged the students to cultivate reading as a daily habit, broaden their knowledge beyond classroom lessons and develop the discipline needed to excel academically.
She also stressed that literacy remained a critical foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.
A major component of the programme was the establishment and inauguration of the Tarakiri Community Secondary School Reading Club.
The English Language teacher, Mrs. Faith Orubo, was appointed Matron/Coordinator of the Reading Club, while new members were formally inducted.
The students were encouraged to participate actively in the club’s activities and make reading an integral part of their academic and personal development.
Miss Havila Ebimere Binafeigha also participated in the reading session, demonstrating the importance of reading and encouraging the students to develop confidence and interest in books.
About 10 books were subsequently donated to the newly inaugurated Reading Club to provide additional reading resources and support the sustainability of the initiative.
The detailed presentation of the educational intervention was made by the 2nd Mate of Oxbow Marino Deck, Mr. Oti Premobowei.
Educational materials were distributed to students in SS1, SS2 and SS3, including school bags, five branded exercise books per beneficiary, English Language, Mathematics and Social Studies textbooks.
Students in JS3 were also included in the intervention and received school bags and exercise books.
The organisers said the inclusion of students across different classes was intended to ensure broader participation and impact.
As part of the programme, NIVEA roll-ons were distributed to students and teachers in recognition of the importance of personal hygiene to students’ wellbeing and academic participation.
The organisers said the personal hygiene component complemented the educational intervention by encouraging students to maintain good and
healthy personal habits.
