The Western Union Foundation today announced the donation of a furnished library to the Ransome Kuti Memorial Senior Grammar School in Mosalasi, Mushin, Lagos. The Foundation and Ecobank Nigeria Limited teamed up to finance the initiative as part of the “Read to Succeed” program.
The project, which got a boost with a USD $20,000 grant, donated early this year, allowed for provision of tables, chairs, books, book shelves, ceiling fans, air conditioners, computers, printers and other supplies. It has since been successfully managed by the Joseph and Eunice Oladaiye Foundation, a local NGO operating in Lagos.
It is expected that the brand new library will benefit more than 1,000 students at the school. Western Union will grant an additional USD $5,000 to three qualified, underprivileged university students to finance their scholarships.
While speaking, Regional Vice President of Western Union for Africa, Aida Diarra said: “We are proud of the work of the Western Union Foundation and its continuous offer to support programs and services that promote equity and education for all children. These efforts bring to Nigeria’s youth the opportunity for success, access to quality education and a path to a brighter future. Through the {Read to Succeed} project, we encourage students to read by creating a suitable reading and learning environment”
Meanwhile, Western Union also awarded USD $30,000 in scholarships to underprivileged university students between 2012 and 2014. These actions align with the values upheld by Western Union and the Western Union Foundation and offer a unique opportunity to apply their commitment to education in Africa.
It is noteworthy that over the last 20 years, the Western Union Foundation has worked with Western Union Agents— Diamond Bank, Guaranty Trusty Bank (GTB), UBA, Ecobank Nigeria, Skye Bank, First Bank of Nigeria and Access Bank—to refurbish and equip public school libraries through a grant of more than USD $280,000 to the “Read to Succeed” library project in Lagos.
