Foundation Commissions New Library for Underprivileged Children in Adamawa

Dr. LEE Educational Foundation, USA, (DLEF) has commissioned a new library ‘Pages of Hope’ in Bare, Numan Local Government Area (LGA) in a bid to combat rising school truancy and educational neglect amongunderprivileged children in Adamawa State.

The initiative comes due to widespread educational challenges in the region, including; lack of textbooks, teacher absenteeism, and low classroom attendance.

These issues have contributed significantly to the growing number of school dropouts, particularly in marginalised communities.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Mrs. Michele Justin, Executive Director of DLEF USA, said the library project was inspired by a desire to give back to the community where her husband originates.

“The educational disparity between this community and schools in the United States is alarming. In the U.S., children have access to well-equipped schools and structured learning from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality here, where many children lack books and adequate teaching,” she said.

Justin expressed hope that the facility would be cherished and actively used by both children and adults.

“This is just the beginning. God willing, there will be more interventions like this across Adamawa State and Nigeria at large,” she added.

Dr. Lydia Adamu, Chairperson of DLEF Nigeria, noted that since its establishment in 2021, the Foundation has made significant educational contributions to the community.

These include the distribution of school bags and writing materials to 400 pupils in 2023 and long-term educational sponsorships for 26 students through the DLEF Wise Kids Initiative.

In 2024, the Foundation also launched the DLEF Educate to Elevate Teacher Empowerment Initiative.

The newly inaugurated library is stocked with a wide range of books by Nigerian and international authors, as well as computers to promote digital literacy and learning.

Commending the Foundation’s efforts, the Hama Bachama, (traditional leader of Bachama) Dr. Daniel Ismail, represented by the District Head of Gyawana, Dr. Aguso Bamaiyi, described education as the cornerstone of any society’s development.

“Education empowers individuals and communities to reach their full potential. I urge all residents—young and old—to make use of the library and help protect it for future generations,” he said.

He also called on indigenes of Bare, Numan LGA, and Adamawa State to support the initiative by donating books, computers, and furniture to ensure its sustainability.

In her remarks, Kate Mamuno, Member representing Demsa LGA in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, praised the project and highlighted the importance of women leading community development efforts.

“It’s inspiring to see a woman champion such a transformative project. As a legislator, I will work with DLEF to ensure that similar initiatives are extended to other communities in the state to promote education for children and youth,” she said.

The Pages of Hope library stands as a symbol of educational empowerment and a vital step toward bridging the learning gap in underserved communities of Adamawa.

Hauwa Abu