As part of its ongoing anniversary celebrations, the Calabar Hangout Social Club has taken a commendable step towards giving back to society. In a generous initiative aimed at uplifting public education, the club recently donated essential educational materials to two government primary schools in the Calabar South Local Government Area, Duke Town Primary School and Emmanuel Church Primary School.

The outreach effort, facilitated by the Amb. Bassey Duke-led administration, seeks to address the deplorable conditions in which many of these schools operate and the immense challenges faced by the innocent children who attend them. Many public primary schools in the area suffer from a lack of basic infrastructure and learning resources, leaving pupils in an environment far from conducive to academic development.

The Club is now calling on members of the public, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Government Agencies, and Political Leaders to join hands in transforming the public education sector in Calabar. “The state of our government Primary Schools is both disheartening and unacceptable,” a club representative stated. “These children are our future, and they deserve better.”

Although school fees in government primary schools range from just ₦1,200 to ₦2,200, this modest amount still poses a significant financial burden for many families. As a result, some children are unable to attend school or are sent home due to non-payment. The consequences are grave, as access to education remains a fundamental right and a stepping stone to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Beyond financial barriers, many of these schools lack fundamental amenities such as adequate classrooms, desks, tables, and sanitary facilities. In many cases, students are forced to learn in overcrowded or dilapidated structures with few, if any, educational materials.

The Calabar Hangout Social Club’s intervention is a step in the right direction. By supplying much-needed learning materials, they aim to create a more enabling learning environment and give these children a fairer chance at academic success.

“The children in our government schools are calling out for help,” said Bassey Okokon. “We must respond, not just with words, but with action.”