Nigerian-American model, entrepreneur and reality TV star, Faith Morey, has evolved over the years, becoming one of the most consistent entertainment stakeholders in the industry. Her extensive career as a model helped with her transition into fashion and accompanying this was her expansion into the solar energy sector. Her desire for change and impact in the educational sector informed her decision some months ago to establish the Okachi Charity Foundation {OCF} in memory of her maternal grandmother. In this exclusive interview, she talks about the OCF foundation, key milestones and the importance of the strength of collaboration in nation-building, especially in the educational sector. ROTIMI IGE brings excerpts.
What inspired the idea of closing the year with such notable collaborations involving the Rivers State Commissioner of Education, Permanent Secretary, Secretary of UBEC, and the monarch?
The inspiration comes from the urgent need to address systemic challenges in education in Rivers State. By engaging high-level stakeholders, including policymakers and traditional leaders, Okachi Charity Foundation {OCF} aims to create a united front that addresses educational inequality, resource allocation, and community involvement. And also promote understanding of the existing interventions of the foundation in the state. This collaboration also aligns with our belief in inclusive dialogue, where every stakeholder from government representatives to local authorities contributes to sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
What are the primary goals OCF hopes to achieve through these talks and collaborations?
OCF aims to secure stronger government collaboration for initiatives that improve access to quality education, highlight the critical needs of underserved schools and advocate for increased infrastructure development. We also plan to foster alignment between community leaders and government efforts to encourage grassroots participation in educational programs and security amenities.
How will this partnership advance educational development in Rivers State, particularly in underserved areas?
This partnership will ensure that resources, both financial and human, are directed toward underserved areas. By collaborating with the Rivers State Ministry of Education, OCF will identify and prioritise schools in dire need of intervention, facilitate teacher training programs and the deployment of skilled educators to improve teaching quality. We would also encourage community-driven solutions through the involvement of monarchs, ensuring local support for educational programs and later deploy quality volunteer teachers to support government efforts.
How does the foundation plan to measure the impact of this collaboration on education and community development?
OCF will employ a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, which includes tracking pupils enrollment and retention rates in targeted areas, assessing improvements in academic performance through standardised tests and teacher feedback, measuring changes in community engagement levels in educational activities and protection of amenities. Also documenting infrastructure improvements and resource availability in the beneficiary schools and gathering qualitative feedback from pupils, parents, and teachers to evaluate the overall effectiveness of programs.
What message would you like to share with the public about supporting these kinds of collaborative efforts for education and community growth?
We urge the public to recognize that sustainable educational reform requires a collective effort. Supporting collaborations like these is not just an investment in schools but in the future of our children and communities. Together, we can bridge the educational gap and empower the next generation with the tools they need to thrive and contribute positively to society.
What motivated your involvement in this crucial NCAOOSCE retreat, and how does it align with the mission of the Foundation?
Our involvement in the NCAOOSCE retreat stems from our shared commitment to providing equitable access to education for all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. At our foundation, we believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and this aligns closely with NCAOOSCE’s mission to equip Almajiri and out-of-school children with the skills needed for personal and societal development. Participating in this retreat is an opportunity to contribute to shaping interventions and practices that address the challenges faced by children living in low-income backgrounds, ensuring they receive quality education and support.
With key stakeholders gathered nationwide, what role do you believe partnerships and collaborations play in addressing the out-of-school children crisis effectively?
Partnerships and collaborations are critical in addressing the out-of-school children crisis. No single organisation or institution can tackle this complex issue alone. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources, share expertise, and create a unified strategy that is more effective and sustainable. At OCF, we actively seek partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to expand the reach and impact of our initiatives. Collaborations foster innovation, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure a holistic approach to solving the problem.
From the discussions during the retreat, what innovative strategies or ideas stood out to you as game-changers in tackling this pressing issue?
One of the standout strategies discussed was the integration of multimodal education systems, which combine traditional and modern approaches to learning, such as digital tools and community-based learning centers. The emphasis on vocational training and practical skill acquisition as part of the curriculum for out-of-school children resonated strongly. This approach not only equips children with literacy and numeracy skills but also prepares them for economic self-sufficiency. Another innovative idea was leveraging community leaders and influencers to advocate for education and ensure children are brought back into the schooling system.
How do you plan to translate the insights and strategies from the retreat into sustainable, impactful actions through your initiatives and partnerships?
We plan to incorporate these insights into our ongoing and future programs by expanding our summer school program to include vocational and digital literacy training, ensuring children are equipped with life and work skills. Also, we are looking at strengthening collaborations with local and national stakeholders to amplify advocacy for out-of-school children’s education as well as incorporating multimodal learning systems, including digital tools and community-based teaching methods, into our initiatives. Lastly, we would be engaging local communities to foster ownership and sustainability of our programs, while leveraging partnerships with organizations like NCAOOSCE to align with national development goals.
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