THE PROVISION OF LEARNING AIDS AND MATERIALS TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED (BLIND) STUDENTS IN IMO STATE BY NDIFREKE PATRICK (IM/12A/0617).

Having had the privilege of serving in an outstanding PPA Federal Government Girls’ College, in the midst of kindhearted and very understanding staffs, she was left with no other option but to also be kindhearted and understanding. This spirit of kindheartedness and understanding encouraged her to help the Visually Impaired staffs in the school whenever they needed her assistance. On one of the occasions, she had to escort one to Girls Secondary School, Orlu to check on the blind students there. She came in contact with the blind students herself, chatted with them, asked questions about their survival in the school community. The results of the discussions turned the would- have-been fun filled journey to a heart touching one. And she left GSS, Orlu with a heavy burden in her heart.
The sight of those blind students studying in spite of all the difficulties got her passionately troubled. This moved her to determine to encourage them by seeing to it that they got all or most of their real and felt needs which included Perkins Brailler, Typewriters, Tape recorders, Braille papers, empty cassettes, Guide Canes, etc.
Once again, she was grateful to NYSC for yet another opportunity to use her khaki to affect lives for good. Thanks to God and the khaki, she got encouraging responses when she appealed for fund to commence the heart touching project. She was able to realize 130,000 from individuals, churches and associations including Mrs Nwadike, Mr Christian, RCCG, and Mr Nwayen.
With that, on the 11th of June, 10 portable manual type writers, 23 tape recorders, 4 packets of empty cassettes and 30 pairs of batteries were bought at Ariaria International Market, Aba while 6 packets of Braille papers were ordered from Lagos.
THE DONATION CEREMONY AT GIRLS’ SEC. SCH, ORLU
With the consent of the Head of CDS, Owerri Municipal L.I. and MDGs Schedule Officers, the items (4 typewriters, 8 tape recorders, 3 packets of Braille papers, 2 packets of empty cassettes and 30 pairs of batteries) were given out on the 7th of November to the female blind students of GSS Orlu at their school premises. The Principal and the Head of the Special Unit were filled with gratitude and thanksgiving; they rained blessings and prayers on her asking God to carry all her burdens just as she did for the blind students. The students were filled with joy unspeakable as they just couldn’t express their heartfelt joy until they broke down in tears. It was quite a heart touching experience. The students are 10 in number but 6 of them witnessed the donation ceremony. Their names are:
1. Iwejuo Ogechi
2. Uzomba Ndidi
3. Okoroafor Chimnonso
4. Ihezuo Judith
5. Okoro Ugochi
6. Ezeji Ngozi

THE DONATION CEREMONY AT MBAISE SEC. SCH, ABOH MBAISE
On the 9th of November, at Mbaise Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise, 6 typewriters, 15 taperecorders, 3packets of Braille papers and 2 packets of empty cassettes were given out to the blind students of Mbaise Secondary School.
She went to the school in the company of 2 Corps Members (Solomon Njokwu and Jude Ojogwo) and a Staff of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ulo Kenneth. They got to the school at 11:30 am (from Owerri). They were warmly welcomed by the Principals (Senior and Junior Sections), the Vice Principal and the Special Unit teacher at the Senior Principal’s office. After series of introductions, the reason for the visit was disclosed. The Principal, seeing it as something rare, exceptional and worth emulating, decided to notify and involve all the Staffs and students of the school, not the just the blind. To this effect, the students and staff gathered at the school hall awaiting their arrival while they were offered ‘kola’ at the principal’s office. Hence, the ceremony was graced with the presence of Corps Members, a Staff of the Federal Ministry of Education, Staffs and Students of Mbaise Secondary School.
They joined the students some minutes after the kola and the donation commenced. Mr Ulo Kenneth cleared the airways with another round of introduction and the reason for the gathering. Ndifreke was called upon to give a brief account of the project, her motivation, her challenges and a word of advice to the students. Immediately she ended the learning materials were displayed before everyone. The Principals gave speeches of thanks and blessings. The Vice Principal did same. One of the visually impaired students (Eze Ekene) and the school head boy gave remarkable votes of thanks. One of the teachers of the school also made a comment, remarking her efforts and even stressing that the school should ensure that at least the Imo State Government gets to know about this “selfless sacrifice”.
The items were therefore officially presented to the school authorities, after which rounds of photographs were taken. And gradually, the joyful presentation ebbed to its end at 2:45.
It just couldn’t have been better.
The Blind students of Mbaise Secondary School are:
1. Emeribe Chinonso SS3
2. Simeon Oliver SS2
3. Azunna Bright ,, ,,
4. Eze Ekene ,, ,,
5. Silas Ikeolu ,, ,,
6. Onyegbule Goodluck SS1
7. Okorofor Odinakachi ,, ,,
8. Nwadike Chikezie ,, ,,
9. Eriechukwu Uchenna ,, ,,
10. Ndensi John Paul JS2
11. Nkemakolan Iheanocho,, ,,
12. Okafor Obinna ,, ,,
13. Ohaka Chukwuka ,, ,,
14. Achiga Chukuemeka JS1
15. Umeh Chibuike ,, ,, .



COMMENTS FROM MBAISE SEC. SCH. COMMUNITY
SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (Mr U. N. Ihekuna): We are grateful. May God bless you with a good husband, children and all the desires of your heart. Thank you.
JUNIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (Sir Prince Anyaeri): This is simply remarkable. May our good Lord reward you immersely.
SPECIAL UNIT TEACHER (Mr Ojilere): All has been said. In addition, thanks having ever thought about us.
EZE EKENE (blind): Aunty Corper, God will continue to bless you. We promise to use them just as you have said, in a manner worthy of honor. Journey mercies back to Owerri.
SCHOOL HEAD BOY: This is my first time of hearing of and witnessing this kind of event. I know Corpers are good but not to this extent. Corper, you are exceptional. You’ve taught me a better lesson. I’ll always endeavor to care more for the less privilege. Thank you
THE TEACHER’S REPRESENTATIVE: I never knew good-minded people are still in existence. As a matter of fact, I am motivated by your speech and deeds. This is a selfless sacrifice and should not end here. We should ensure that the State Government becomes aware of these remarkable gifts. Corper, I am motivated. I wonder where your strength to do this came from. On behalf of all the teachers, I say thank you. God bless you.
STUDENT TEACHER: Corper, I’m sorry I came late. What did you say motivated you into this? I have a desire to help the handicapped. My mum is deaf and dump. I was exceedingly glad when I heard of what a Corper is doing in this school. I would love to work with you. Please grant me the privilege.
NDIFREKE PATRICK (THE CORPS MEMBER): We return all the glory to God. I feel joy unspeakable standing here today and witnessing this event. It was made possible by you: the visually impaired. Thank you. Let this be another reason for you to study while others are loafing. You have beautifully bright futures. Thank God you didn’t allow this sightlessness to limit you. Forge on dear and even the sky won’t be your limit.
People like this to the best of my knowledge ought to be recognized. Thank you.