EVENTS: ZODML Opens Oasis Library at Araromi Baptist Primary School

ZODML launched its sixth Oasis Library at Araromi Baptist Primary School on Wednesday May 25, 2014. The library - whose 4000 books were donated through our Book Drive campaign - will serve nearly 600 pupils at Araromi, Ereko Methodist Primary School, and Ereko Computer School, which all share a premises.
The programme commenced at 10:45am with an opening prayer by ZODML trusteeDr Arinze Agbim, after which a video on the vision and mission of the organisation was played. Mrs Ifeoma Esiri, CEO of ZODML, gave a welcome address and further reiterated the organisation’s commitment to building libraries in government schools in the Ikoyi-Obalende axis, in which there are five other Oasis Libraries serving nine schools and approximately 2,500 public primary school students. Her address was followed by a goodwill message from Mrs Odunayo Adebowale on behalf of Mrs Gbolahan Khadijat Dawodu, the chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). She thanked the organisation for its contributions to education which she said would go a long way in improving the children‘s lives. Mrs Adejuyigbe Elizabeth Bose, representing Mr M.O Maiyegun, the Education Secretary for Lagos Island, also expressed her appreciation of ZODML’s positive impact on its community and its efforts in supporting continuous learning. A number of students who have benefitted from ZODML libraries also spoke about their experiences:
“When I came from the village, I could not even spell my name and I couldn’t read. I was in Primary One. Then I started going to the library. I learnt to read and spell and it really helped me in my studies. By the time I was in Primary Two, I could read word books like Toy Stories by Ladybird and Come for a Ride. I am now in Primary Five and I have read different books because of ZODML. Also, a lot of students in Primary One can read now. I encourage people to make use of the library, when you use the library; you can achieve a lot.”
- Odion Uwadiale, a Primary Five pupil of Hope Primary School
“At ZODML, I learnt that a library is not a place to play, shout and eat, but a place for learning. The library staffs are perfect. They teach us spelling, pronunciations, and the meaning of words. I have developed my vocabulary and my friends and I have been able to read books through the ZODML Library.”
- Precious Francis of Ikoyi Nursery and Primary School
“Our library is a good library with vital books for children. When I started the school, I could not read at all. I started going to the library in Primary Three when ZODML set up a library in my school. It improved my learning. The ZODML staff in the library taught me how to read and I can read well now.”
- Dawodu Ibrahim, a Primary Five pupil at Dodan Barracks Primary School
 
“I am happy to have a ZODML library in my school. I improved in my reading when I started using the ZODML library. It has also helped some of my classmates’ reading ability. People that could not read before can read fluently now because of the library. Through the ZODML library, I can spell words. It has built up my vocabulary. I advise others to borrow books and read.”
- Blessing Joseph of St. George’s Girls Primary School
My library is a very good library. I could not read before but I began to improve when I started going to the library in Primary Three. I am in Primary Five now and I can read fluently. I have gained from it; it helps my vocabulary. The things that I achieve from the library are how to spell, read and search for words in the dictionary.
- Precious Ikeduiba of Ireti Primary School
After the pupils had spoken, Mrs Esiri thanked all who embraced the 4000 Children’s Book Drive, especially Stanbic IBTC Bank, for donating books. The pupils of Araromi and Ereko delighted the audience with song and dance performances. The new Oasis Library was formally launched by Mr Sanni-Owo Olayiwola, the representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. Mrs Angela Omo-Dare, a Senior Officer of Stanbic IBTC, read a short story to the schools’ kindergarten pupils. The programme ended with a closing remark by Dr Agbim. It is hoped that this sixth Oasis Library will be a source of success stories and personal and community triumphs like the ones shared by students above. ZODML thanks all those who played a role in our achieving this goal. Click through the slideshow to see more photos from the event: [gallery link="none" ids="3236,3237,3243,3239,3240,3238,3241,3244,3245"]