Report on the Umuri Back to School educational outreach program held the 11th of May, 2023 at
Umuri Primary School
THE OAK ORIENTATION INITIATIVE POST-RURAL EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH REPORT Title:
“Bridging Educational Gaps, Inspiring Rural Dreams”
Venue: Umuri Primary School, Amaimo, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State
Date of Outreach: 11th May 2023
In Partnership With: NetcoDietsMann Company Limited
Report Compiled By: Dr. Ikenna Onumonu
Report Date: 30th May 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 11, 2023, The Oak Orientation Initiative, in strategic partnership with NetcoDietsMann Company Limited, carried out a transformative educational outreach at Umuri Primary School, Amaimo, located in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
This initiative aimed to address the critical lack of basic learning tools among pupils and instructional resources for teachers in underserved rural communities.
This report outlines the objectives, implementation strategies, materials distributed, measurable outcomes, and the broader impact of the outreach. It also highlights the importance of continued investment in grassroots education by stakeholders, partners, and prospective sponsors.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE
Many rural schools in Nigeria continue to suffer from inadequate infrastructure, insufficient learning tools, and a lack of motivation among students and teachers.
Outreach is an activity of providing services to any populations or stakeholders who might not otherwise have access those services. We may also add that it is an activity where organizations and institutions reach out to share.
In addition to delivering services, outreach has an educational role, raising the awareness of existing services and often meant to fill in the gap in the services provided by mainstream (often, governmental) services and is carried out by non-profit, nongovernmental organizations.
The Oak Orientation Initiative launched its rural outreach series as a response to this reality, prioritizing educational equity and capacity-building in neglected communities.
Umuri Primary School was identified during our rural education audit as a high-need institution where over 80% of pupils lacked basic school supplies, and teachers managed large classrooms with limited instructional aids.
The May 11 outreach was designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to ignite a long-term conversation around sustainable educational development in the region.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Primary Goals:
• To enhance pupils’ access to essential educational materials.
• To empower teachers with basic tools and morale-boosting recognition.
• To foster community trust and stakeholder collaboration for future development.
Specific Objectives:
• Distribute writing and learning materials to at least 200 pupils.
• Provide teaching tools and appreciation packages to all staff.
• Engage pupils in motivational and character-building sessions.
• Gather real-time insights into the structural and material needs of the school.
STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION The program was made possible through a meaningful partnership between:
• The Oak Orientation Initiative – Program design, planning, and delivery.
• NetcoDietsMann Company Limited – Strategic funding partner and resource sponsor.
• Umuri Primary School Management – Local facilitation and coordination.
• Community Leaders of Amaimo – Mobilization and grassroots support.
This alliance demonstrates a replicable model of how public interest organizations and private sector partners can work together to create scalable social impact.
PREPARATION AND LOGISTICS
• Pre-visit Assessment: Conducted between September 2022- April 2023 to determine specific school needs.
• Materials Procurement: Over 1,000 school items sourced, sorted, and packaged.
• Mobilization: Letters of invitation sent to stakeholders and community leaders.
• Transportation: Outreach convoy departed from Owerri to Amaimo on the morning of the event.
PROGRAM EXECUTION Opening Ceremony Highlights:
• Welcome Address: By the Head Teacher, expressing gratitude and sharing the school’s challenges.
Opening Remarks By:
a. The Traditional ruler of the host community, expressing gratitude, sharing words of encouragement with his life experience and admonishing the pupils to embrace education to make them better individuals for the community.
b. The Oak Orientation Initiative Lead, emphasizing the power of education and community driven change.
Distribution of Materials:
To Pupils (Over 200):
• 300+ Exercise books
• 250 Pens and pencils
• 100 Crayons and coloring sets
• 200 Rulers, erasers, sharpeners
•120 Customized school bags
• 40 Mathematical sets (Senior pupils)
To Teachers (12):
• Whiteboard markers
• Whiteboards
• Customized travel bags
Motivational Session for Pupils:
• Interactive talk on “The Power of Education”
• Personal development storytelling session
• Personal development storytelling session
• Quiz and reward games to encourage participation
Engagement with Teachers and Leadership
• Listening session on structural and instructional challenges
• Exploration of potential long-term support avenues
OUTCOMES AND IMPACT Quantitative Impact:
• Over 200 pupils directly benefited from the materials.
• 100% of teachers received teaching resources and appreciation items.
• 5 community stakeholders and local leaders participated in the event.
Qualitative Impact:
• Renewed enthusiasm among pupils and improved self-esteem.
• Teachers reported increased morale and sense of recognition.
• Strengthened bond between the school and local community.
• Media attention from local press created awareness about rural education needs.
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
“Today, my children felt remembered. Some of them have never owned a new pencil until now." – Head Teacher, Umuri Primary School
“This is my first school bag. I will now protect my books from rain.”– Primary 4 Pupil
“We are proud to support initiatives like this that touch lives where it matters most.” – Manager, NetcoDietsMann Company Ltd.
CHALLENGES FACED
• Poor Road Access: Rough terrain made logistics and transport difficult.
• Limited Infrastructure: Lack of shaded space for outdoor activities during material distribution.
• Language Barrier: Some lower-primary pupils had difficulty understanding English during the motivational session.
SUSTAINABILITY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• Follow-Up Programs: Bi-annual visits to evaluate long-term impact and needs.
Bi-annual visits to evaluate long-term impact and needs.
• School Adoption Model: Encourage companies to adopt rural schools for continuous support.
• Infrastructure Development: Small-scale projects like classroom renovation, water provision, or library setup.
• Volunteer Teacher Program: Mobilize skilled volunteers to support rural teachers with capacity building.
CALL TO ACTION FOR SPONSORS AND FUNDERS
We invite partners, philanthropists, NGOs, and socially responsible corporations to join us in expanding this life-changing initiative.
The Oak Orientation Initiative plans to reach 50 rural schools across Southeastern Nigeria by 2026.
Your support can help:
• Equip a school with basic supplies for an entire year.
• Sponsor mobile libraries or science kits for underserved areas.
• Fund rural teacher training programs and mentorship workshops.
Together, we can nurture rural dreams and rewrite the future through education.
CONCLUSION
The rural educational outreach at Umuri Primary School was a strong reminder of how a simple act of giving can plant seeds of hope, confidence, and possibility.
It affirmed that education remains the most powerful equalizer in society — especially when communities and corporate partners work hand-in-hand to drive impact. The Oak Orientation Initiative remains committed to leading this movement — one school, one child, one story at a time.
Prepared by:
Dr. Ikenna Onumonu
Project Coordinator
The Oak OrientationInitiative
Contact: [08023008351|iykeonumonu@gmail.com]
APPENDICIES