The Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network- LEARN has revealed plans to set up six mini libraries in six educational centers across Lagos state so as to enable participants of its annual summer school programme enhance their knowledge and carry out research.

This was disclosed by the Founder/Chairman of LEARN, Her Excellency, Dame Emmanuella Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State, during the closing ceremony of this year’s summer school programme over the weekend in Lagos.

The First Lady who also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to partner with the LEARN initiative by being either a sponsor or volunteer, emphasized that more youths will be empowered through the initiative if given adequate support.

Speaking further, she advised the over 4,300 pupils across Lagos State who participated in this year’s summer school programme against engaging in activities that could impede or jeopardize their chances of attaining their God-given destinies.

According to her, now is the right time for every child to start laying the foundation for whatever he or she wants to become in future.

“If you want to become a Doctor, Lawyer, Bead maker, Event decorator, etc., you need to start now.  Do not engage in activities that will tarnish your image now because someone is bound to remember in future when you are aspiring to become someone important. You must always think of yourself first and project a good image for yourself because bad reputations can ruin your future”, she said.

Speaking further at the event, Dame Fashola explained that the reason behind the LEARN summer school was to ignite the passions for learning in the youths.

“The mission of the initiative is to groom young leaders to be confident, self sufficient and socially responsive through education, vocational skills acquisition and recreational activities”, she added.

Investing in young people
Also speaking at the event, Her Excellency, Hon. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, reiterated that the Lagos state government believed strongly that investing in young people means investing in the future.

The Deputy Governor advised all children and youths to always confide in their schools counselors or call the help lines established for child abuse when they are faced with any problems, especially with those that deal with child abuse and sexual harassment, whether at home, school or on the streets, as she stressed  that harassment could lead to depression, loss of memory and concentration.

“You are our future and we don’t want anything to distract or disturb you from achieving your future goals”, she said.

Chief Edward Akin Leigh, Chairman of LASACO Insurance Company, who also spoke at the event, expressed his amazement at the level of skills the participants of the summer school acquired.

He advised them not to lose those skills but to always put them into practice and comport themselves in the way they have been taught, especially when school resumes, so that others will see the difference in them.

Another speaker at the event, Mr. Abiodun Junaid, Lagos State Permanent Secretary of Youths and Social Development, said that the beginning of development in Lagos State has commenced with the beginning of youths empowerment programs like L. E. A. R. N initiative. He promised that the empowerment programme will commence in twelve centers in the state so that any young person that wishes will be given the chance to be empowered.

Ojo Mariam, a participant at the summer school confirmed that she learnt a lot during the six weeks programme. She vowed to register again next summer. Also, Oluwaseyi from Ikorodu center also said that during the duration of the summer school, he had learnt to be disciplined and was also able to learn different aspects of tailoring. He thanked Her Excellency for the initiative.