Lamonde Hotel Group, UL group & Rochas Foundation End of year Awards& Gala night in pictures

Director General Uloma Rochas with staff of UL Group

Nyakno Etim- Head Admin & Monica-Head Partnership

DG with Ngozi Agu, National Co-ordinator  RFVC

L-R Patrick, Nyakno Etim, Moses and Jubemi, Staff of Rochas Foundation

DG & Dailytrust Representative

DG & Helen-Jennifer, Director of Operations

Jubemi & Jason

DG & Staff of Rochas Foundation College Kano

Sarah Johnson

Members of the Abuja Chorale Ensemble

Who’s Responsible?

With the thousands of humanitarians popping up daily, it’s no wonder people have become weary and suspicious about their intentions. Has philanthropy become the in-trend or are more people just becoming large hearted?    

                      

No complains though! The world is certainly in need of a bit more love; so trend or not the new vibe of charitable giving is well appreciated. Gone are the days when the only global issues were racism, chauvinism and world peace. Now with a plethora of movements for everything from cancer to Aids, human rights and my personal favourite ‘education awareness’, it certainly seems like the world has finally come to terms with the need of their fellow man.

Looking back at the response of the public to the recent flooding in Nigeria which left thousands homeless and some dead, it was indeed a pleasant surprise to see individuals and organizations coming together to offer their support. Without doubt, more people are keying into the need for humanitarian and developmental gestures. Sadly though, for a few it still remains the case of whose responsibility! Not everyone has truly come to the understanding of the need for kind gestures.

So whose responsibility is it really? To help clear the street, to start an awareness campaign, to feed the hungry, foster the homeless and help the needy? Because you asked, I’ll answer! It’s our world and so our responsibility.    

    

With the year rapidly coming to an end, this is as good a time as ever to reflect on the various ways we should all offer our services in different ways towards humanity. It’s our world so love it, support it and serve it.

Jubemi Omabuwa

Photo credit: franthony.com

FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES AND BOBOS

It was a regular day in Benin City at a regular supermarket where regular people like me work. In my two years of working here as a cashier, I had come across all sorts of people. The kind, the unkind, the patient, the impatient and those who leave their change with you. I particularly like such customers. No matter how much their change may be they just leave it with the cashier, not that I delight in getting handouts as such but you know some days they really come in handy.

Today was a Tuesday and this morning business was really slow. There were just a handful of customers around and there was not much to be done. Any way I had to keep myself busy and so I settled down to read a book I had been on for the past 2 days titled: ‘Run up that hill’ by Michael Overton.

I was so engrossed in the book but I was brought back to my call of duty by a customer who wanted to pay for his purchase.

Putting my book down, I wore a smile and wished my customer a good morning. He smiled and said a good morning in reply. The whiff that came from his mouth was unbelievable. How could such a young gentleman have such bad breath? I packaged his ware for him and in a not so obvious way brought out a new toothbrush and told him that we are giving out complimentary toothbrushes to people who buy things worth N2000.00 and above. He was so grateful, of course I had to pay for the toothbrush and as he left I said under my breath please make sure you use it.

Getting back to my book I felt really good with myself I had done a good deed today. Barely 5minutes after he left, a young lady, who I suppose was in her early twenties walked into the supermarket. She was not alone she had a gentleman with her. It was obvious he was a 50cent wannabe which wasn’t so cool since he was not so young at all. He had on baggy three quarter jean trousers, a black body hugging sleeveless T-shirt which did nothing to help hide his bulging stomach and most annoying of it all were these gold dog chains round his neck. I thought to myself, what was a young, good looking, sophisticated young girl doing with the likes of him. You could tell he had money to spend, maybe that was the attraction but that was not my business.

She was so pretty. Fair in complexion, so well dressed she could pass for a model. I admired her as she walked round the supermarket in search of what to buy. She was really attractive.

When she was done shopping, she came to my counter to pay and what I heard gave me the shock of my life.

MODEL DISASTER:  Hai want to pay for my hear cream. (Translation: I want to pay for my hair cream).

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, the gentleman with her put the icing on the cake and the following conversation ensued between them:

GENTLEMAN: Ho bebe, ha you chure you have buy heverytin you want? (Translation: baby, are you sure you have bought everything you want?).

And just when I thought I had heard enough,

MODEL DISASTER:  ‘you know we ha sti going to the restolrant to hit, and the way my belle is doing me, his dere we will really need the money. (Translation: You know we are still going to the restaurant to eat and I am really hungry so we will need all the money there).

I was in a state of mental shock as the gentleman brought out a wad of cash and paid for her ‘hear crème’.

And then almost like a revelation from on high it hit me. It’s not always about the looks! It’s about making the good looks count with self-development, education and language.

photo credit:clipartguide.com

JUBEMI OMABUWA

Free Education Beneficiaires

12 years old Akogun Taiwo Joshua was a victim of unwanted pregnancy and left abandoned as a child by his mother with a caring old lady who managed to give him the basic primary education at United Nations church (UMC) primary school. He spent his growing up days selling puff puff bare footed on the streets and loitering around the Rochas Foundation College Ibadan were he would peep through the wired gate nursing hopes of attaining free secondary education because his guardian was unable to afford it.

His dreams did come true as he was chosen to benefit from the 2012/2013 academic scholarship provided by the Rochas Foundation. In his words, ‘I am very happy that now my dream of becoming an engineer will be possible’.

Born into a polygamous family,  Rukkayat Sanusia a 10 year old part orphaned child was left abandoned as a baby by her mother with the Baale of Oke Ado. Though her mother would come check on her once In a while, she spent all her life working as a domestic help with families who didn’t care much for her. She was discovered by a team of volunteers during the Rochas Foundation background check. Her life’s ambition is to someday become a teacher and touch lives.

September 2012 will mark a day of remembrance for Olaniran Timilehin, a 12 year old orphaned child in heritage orphanage home Ibadan. She had her primary education in Golden Crown primary school, the only school where children from Golden Crown orphanage home attended. She was admitted into the home after losing both parents as an infant. Timilehin says she wants to be a medical doctor when she grows up to enable her save lives.

11 year old Ibrahim Kayode who lives with his single mother was discovered by a team of volunteers at a car mechanic workshop where he was dropped off by his mother to train to become a mechanic. A native of Oyo state he attended seven day primary school where he excelled at academics. He had however resigned all hopes of attaining a secondary education until his discovery by a group of volunteers during the Rochas Foundation background check. He expresses his joy at being given the opportunity of a lifetime through the Rochas Foundation. 

Norfolk primary school and Corpusty Primary School UK host Rochas Foundation

Not many four-year-olds in the UK can say they’ve visited Africa, but the lucky pupils at one Norfolk Primary School began their week with a virtual trip to Nigeria to learn all about the Rochas Foundation.

Students in the reception and year one classes of Corpusty Primary School were excited to learn about the good work the Rochas Foundation does in providing under privileged children in Africa with free education.

The pupils were given short presentation, shown photographs of the students of the Rochas Foundation and even allowed to try on traditional African clothes and jewellery to get into the spirit.

Press Manager for the Rochas Foundation in the UK, Celia Jarvis, said: “It’s really important to spread the word of the Rochas Foundation to schools in England, so that children all over the world begin to realise what life is like in other countries.

“Although the children were young they were fascinated by the work of the Rochas Foundation and asked loads of really good questions, they even thought up ways they could help.”

Currently the Rochas Foundation provides free education to over 5,000 children from the poorest backgrounds, many of whom have been orphaned and are now forced to earn money and care for younger siblings.

The Rochas Foundation provides these pupils/students with everything they need to gain a world class education. Clothes, books and even accommodation for some are funded by the charity so that every under privileged child is given the chance to realise their true potential.

Pictures from this event will be brought to you soon. Keep a tab on our blog.

For further information or to donate please visit www.rochasfoundation.net

Benefits of Charitable Giving

There are countless benefits to the decision to donate. Many people donate out of the goodness of their heart. You know there are others out there in need, and you donate for that reason alone. No matter the reason, the most important thing to remember is - donate.

Clean Out the Clutter
Its time to clean out those closets and stores. If you do not want to take on the hassle of a yard sale  donate the items to charity.   You will have extra space for more important items and help a non profit at the same. Don't waste perfectly good products by throwing them out; donate them to less fortunate individuals or non profit organisations.

Feel Good
One of the best reasons to donate to charity is to help the less fortunate and feel great at the same time. If you are fortunate in your life, donating to charity can help you give back. Trust me, the feeling of giving back and offering hope is priceless.(in a good way!).

Give Back
Donating to a charity from which you found assistance in the past is a great way to show your appreciation. No one knows more about how helpful and necessary a non profit organization is than a former beneficiary. You know how much the people receiving assistance need those services. What better way to give back than to donate to the charity once you are in a better place in your life.

In Memory or Honour
Making a monetary donation in a loved one's name is a great way to honour their life and the charitable organization at the same time. You may select a charity that has touched him personally or that is close to his heart. Some people do the same for birthdays, asking friends and family to donate to charity rather than purchase a gift for them.

Jubemi Omabuwa

Congratulations! as newly admitted JSS 1 students are kitted in RFC Ibadan: Photo Speak

Awaiting their Kits

Bags and books for the scholarship beneficiaries

Class allocation: JSS 1D

JSS 1C

JSS 1 B

JSS 1 A

JSS 1 students 2012/ 2013 session

PHOTO SPEAK: Celebration of Excellence & Life

ROCHAS FOUNDATION MEGA GRADUATION

It was a huge joy and thing of pride as the Rochas Foundation celebrated the graduation ceremony of nine hundred and sixty six students from the Rochas Foundation Colleges.

The four day event was used to celebrate the mega graduation ceremony of over nine hundred students from the five Rochas Foundation Colleges, the 10 years anniversary of the Rochas Foundation Colleges and the 50th Birthday celebration of the founder and president of the Rochas Foundation His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

The event began with the arrival of the students and Ex students of the Rochas Foundation colleges from all over Nigeria to their camp ground in Owerri, Imo state.  

Day 1: This served as a day to settle in for the students as well as a prayer day for all Muslim students and Ex Students who were taken to the mosque for the Friday Muslim prayer.

Day 2: Walk for Life: In the spirit of charity, all the beneficiaries of the Rochas Foundation alongside the President and Vice President of the Foundation went on a morning charity awareness walk which also served as a display of the lives the Foundation had touched through her free education scheme as well as creating an awareness for more impact to be made in the provision of free education to the less privileged. This was followed by a Concert which saw the performance of Nigeria's finest; MI, Sound Sultan, Basket Mouth, I Go Die, Shedrac& Meshac and a surprise appearance by Terry G. The Concert served as a fun time for the president and vice president of the Rochas Foundation to bond with the students and Ex- students of the Foundation and the gesture was highly appreciated by all in attendance.

                                                                                                                

Day 3: Sunday the 7th of October was a day of thanksgiving for all christian students and Ex students as they all went to the massive Orlu Cathedral in Orlu Imo state for worship and thanksgiving. This was followed by a celebration at the Imo state Government house Owerri were students were entertained with videos of the inception of the Rochas Foundation Colleges.

Day 4: This marked the grand finale of the mega graduation ceremony of nine hundred and sixty six students from the five Rochas Foundation colleges, the 10 years anniversary celebration of the Rochas Foundation Colleges as well as the 50th birthday ceremony of the founder and president of the Rochas Foundation His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha. In furtherance of the celebration, the ‘Rochas Foundation Excellent Award on Volunteerism’ was presented to Mr Innocent Idibia as a mark of his exceptional selfless service to the Foundation. Amongst the special guests in attendance to make this celebration a success were: Former Military president of Nigeria General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai,  Governor of Anambra state Peter Obi, Governor of Ebonyi state Chief Martin Elechi, Governor Rivers State  Rotimi Ameachi, Governor Delta state Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Bauchi State Mallam Isa Yuguda, Governor Kano Satte, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor Lagos State Mr Baabntunde Raji Babatunde Fashola amongst other dignitaries. 

Also in attendance for the 10 years anniversary and birthday celebrartion which followed immediately after the graduation were some of Nigeria's finest entertainers: Tu Face Idibia, Bracket, AY, Sound Sultan, X Buster and MC Amana; who ensured that all in attendance had a swell time.

The celebration was crowned up with the magnificent display of fireworks.

Thanks to the Rochas Foundation and all our wonderful volunteers in helping the dreams of these children come true.

At Rochas Foundation, ‘Every Child Counts’

God bless Nigeria!

BIRTHDAY WISHES

In the spirit of celebration we wish the President and Founder of the Rochas Foundation a Big Happy Birthday.

Thanks to this day 50 years ago, a life with positive ripple effects was given to the world.

EDUCATIONAL VALUES

In compliance with the new curriculum instituted by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education which includes a selection of new subjects, the management of the Rochas Foundation embarked on a recruitment exercise for new teaching staff to teach the instituted subjects in the five free Rochas Foundation Colleges.

In furtherance of this, to ensure the moral and academic success of the beneficiaries of the Rochas Foundation comprehensive scholarship, the Foundation also conducted an appraisal exercise for all existing teaching staff of the five free Rochas Foundation Colleges tagged ‘Mandatory Human Resource Exercise’ (MHRE).

The three part staff appraisal comprised of a staff training by a Foundation personnel who intimated the teachers about the appraisal exercise; the values of the Rochas Foundation and their roles as teachers. The teachers were also motivated and celebrated for their dedication to their jobs. This was followed by a written and oral appraisal session.

The aim of the staff appraisal exercise was to measure the competence, dedication and passion of all teachers of the Rochas Foundation Colleges.

According to Ms Jubemi Omabuwa the Public Relations Officer of the Foundation: ‘The Rochas Foundation appreciates her teaching staff and their dedication to their work’, she stated that in order to maintain the high standards of moral and academic excellence of the students of the Rochas Foundation colleges, the ‘Mandatory Human Resource Exercise’ would be conducted regularly for all Rochas Foundation teaching staff.

This exercise was instituted to maintain the Foundation’s goal of molding her students into effective leaders. Still addressing the press, the public relations officer stated that the education of the students would not be compromised and so this MHRE exercise was to ensure that all teachers are in line with the Foundations standards.

The staff appraisal which was instituted by the Director General of the Foundation Uloma Rochas was intended for the benefit of the teachers and to ensure that they are updated on the Foundations values of ‘educate to empower’.

The recruitment exercise for new teachers only served to comply with the new curriculum instituted by the Ministry of Education which includes new subjects that lacked teachers” and would in no way instigate the sacking of already existing staff as long as they adhere to the values of the Rochas Foundation. 

Free Education For the Poor? Make it happen!

In furtherance of the Rochas Foundation mandate of Free Education for the Poor, the Foundation embarked on an entrance examination for the 2012/2013 academic session set to begin in September 2012.

On the 23rd of June 2012, the Rochas Foundation Colleges nationwide opened up her  gates  to the countless children who showed up to sit for the examination. Determined to attain not just free education, but a brighter future, these children showed up in the hundreds.

This would not be the first of such exams as the foundation has been offering education scholarships to the less privileged for 12 years. However with the Rochas Foundation, it takes much more than just academic excellence to get a  comprehensive  scholarship, students must be unable to afford an education; or as we fondly like to say you must be from the poorest of the poor in the society.                                                                                                            

If you are a regular on our blog as I am sure you are, then you obviously  know about our back ground checks. However for the newbies(favorite new madeup word) see :

HERE:

The Rochas Foundation background check is a measure we have used to ensure that the free education scholarships  reach their  target of children who are willing to learn but cannot afford it.

Look at this numbers, doesn't it just break your heart seeing just how many children need free education?
Just so you know, we were able to offer only 800 of these children the Rochas Foundation comprehensive education scholarship.
Hmm! But we do want to do more and with your help, we can.

Join us today, sponsor a child through school at any of the  five Rochas Foundation Colleges and primary school .
As Ghandi once said: "Be the change you want to see".
Interested in making a change?
See:HERE

Volunteers Save The Day

It was indeed a pleasant surprise, when volunteers from all works of life showed up to offer their help in the background check embarked upon by  the Rochas Foundation.
The background check was implemented as an investigative measure when the Foundation was notified that under the guise of poverty, some well-off children were benefiting from the scholarship meant for only the poor.
The Rochas Foundation  Scholarship Scheme which offers a completely free comprehensive secondary education , was incorporated to cater to only the poor in the society.
Thanks to all our lovely volunteers, the background check was a huge success.

 Children getting registered during the background check

A home visited during the background check

 

Child and parent

Child and parent

                           A big thanks to all our volunteers. Because of your selfless service smiles have been put on the faces of these kids.
Thank you for joining  hands with the Rochas Foundation to say 'Every Child Counts'.

What Makes a Volunteer?

Welcome to another friendly chat on Volunteerism '' THE NEW IDEA''
So I trust now that the term 'Volunteer' has been demystified, there's really no need going back to its defination.
If you do need more insight on the word, please see the post: HERE

So whats so new about Volunteerism being 'THE NEW IDEA'? After all it's origin dates back to, well; the beginning of time.
Volunteer activities date back to the Pre- industrial  societies mainly in the third world nations where mutual self help was, and still is vital to the survival of rural communities.
With the emergence of  industrialization and the discovery of the concept of money in the 19th century, the values of volunteerism became undermined.  Thankfully it resurfaced again in the 1920's as an antidote to the hate and horror of the world war 1.
The very first international voluntary work camp sprang the first modern voluntary service movement, an organization known by its French name and acronym SCI, Service Civil International.  The 1920s -1930s marked the movement of volunteer service across the world and it was often seen as a means of building friendships among young people of different European countries. It was also used in other countries such as the U.S.A. and Bulgaria, during the severe economic crisis following 1929, as a means of giving unemployed young people something socially useful to do, as well as a bed and food.  


While this is not a history lesson, its a way to show you that volunteerism is as natural as life itself.
Isn't it funny how a system with such history still struggles for credibility in our world?
Becoming a volunteer for a cause should be a lifestyle for you and not a 'new idea'.

So how natural are you?
Human enough to identify a cause worth fighting for?

Not to sound bias but wouldn't you just love to make a change in the life of a child?
We make it possible.
At the Rochas Foundation we live to put smiles on the faces of children.
Come join our team of ensuring  every poor child has an opportunity to attain free education.

For more information on becoming a volunteer: CLICK HERE

Jubemi Omabuwa

People Are Saying.....

To all you beautiful people who have sent birthday and goodwill messages to His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha,
This special post goes out to celebrate you, and show the rest of the world your kind words.

Kelechi Ndukwe wrote:
To the Man who helped make me the man I am today.
First, I want to wish you a Happy birthday and Congratulate you on your landmark
birthday; the big 5 0. I will say half a century to be sophisticated.
You must be the most accomplished man that has lived on earth. A man who
understands the value of education and subsequently obeyed his calling to provide
the gift of education to thousands of students.
I want to let you know that you succeeded in passing your ideals about the
importance of being of help to others and the value of education to me and a lot of
classmates.
You have succeeded also built an unbreakable bond between strangers just by bringing
them in the same school.
I appreciate your love, may my God continue to grant you your heart desires and long
life and good health.
Amen
Still Your Son.

Kelechi Ndukwe. B.A (USA)
Pioneer Student Rochas Foundation College, Owerri
Graduating class of 2007

People Are Saying.....

KING CHUCK BLESSED wrote: Happy birthday his excellency ,may God be with u always and bless you as you lead us towards greatness"

Modupe wrote: "I said a Prayer for Daddy Rochas On Your 50 Birthday

I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart
Although God spoke no word!

I didn't ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn't mind).
I asked him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that God be near you
At the start of each new day;
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for Gods loving care
I prayed the most of all!
Amen."
MODUPE IDOWU

Precious wrote: "As u dried d tears off d eyes of d less fortunate GOD wld not allow u 2shed tears of sorrow he wld bless everything u put ur hands 2do HAPPY BDAY" PRECIOUS AKAMS

EKENE DILICHUKWU wrote: happy birthday my able Governor "

AMOS ODETAYO wrote: Happy Birthday Chairman"

VINCENT CHUKWU wrote: God will always be ur strength.I want to be like u."

TEEJAY OMEIZA wrote: Happy birthday! Wishing him more memorable years ahead."

BENJAMIN CHIBUEZE wrote:"Rochas, I was once your student but i still believe u are an epitome of greatness and your motto...hardwork.":



GOD BLESS ROCHAS!
To the father of multitude,
Governor Rochas Okorocha,

All you have done, all you are doing, all you will do to and for humanity, whether
to the poor or rich, the Lord Jesus will not overlook. Surely many of us want to
contribute our quota no-matter how small or what but it is the Lord that gives the
sower seed.

God\'s numerous blessing rest upon you and your amiable family.

I pray that the Lord will sustain you with Long live in Jesus name. Amen.

Chinelo G. Edeani

ROCHAS FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (RFVC) HELP CURB CORRUPTION

The Rochas Foundation in a bid to curb the menace of corruption at the grass root level has embarked on a background check on some of the candidates who sat for the Rochas Foundation College entrance exams on the 23rd of June 2012.

In accordance with the Foundations aim of educating only the less privileged in the society, this exercise was introduced to ensure that only the poor in the society are given admssion into the Free Rochas Foundation Colleges.

It had come to the Foundation Management’s notice that some of the students admitted into these colleges are from well to do homes and so in a bid to curb such practises of fraudulence and corruption the backgroud check was introduced.

The background verification process was successful due to the immense help of well meaning volunteers who offered their help by going into rural communities to ensure that only those eligible are admitted. Some of the criteria used for verification were the children’s family social status, parental status, age and examination score.

The realisation of the rich occupying the spaces of the poor in these schools came as a huge shock which also strenghtened the resolve of the Foundation and her volunteers to help in their own ways to eradicate corruption at all levels.

The offer of these well meaning Nigerians in volunteering to help in this cause proved that Nigerians are a people of love, kindness and selflessness.

The DG of the foundation Uloma Rochas on this, supervised and strictly ensured the success of this exercise while urging Nigerians to shun corruption in all spheres. She described the practice of some Nigerians feigning poor just to take the place of less privileged children in the foundation’s schools as ‘the wealthy stealing from a beggar’s plate’.

With 5 schools located in Jos, Ibadan, Owerri, Ogboko and Kano currently with almost 5, 000 children and 700 ex-students in the university, this foundation has steadily pioneered and sustained the vision of the founder, Owelle Rochas Okorochas which is ‘education for free for children of the poorest of the poor in society’

At Rochas Foundation, Every Child counts!

ROCHAS FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER CORPS (RFVC) TOWARDS ENHANCING QUALITY EDUCATION IN AFRICA

The Volunteer Corps arm of the Rochas Foundation is organizing a two day conference scheduled to hold on the 21^st and 22^nd of September 2012 with the theme:  Enhancing Quality Education Through Leadership and Volunteerism, ‘The New Idea’in Owerri, Nigeria. This event which was earlier scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana is focused on reaching out to the rest of Africa with the establishment of comprehensively free colleges to cater for less privileged children.

The first day of the conference is also scheduled for the graduation ceremony of two sets of graduates from the Owerri and Ogboko  free Rochas Foundation colleges while day 2 of the conference will be the main full day when international guest speakers, a former African president  and the Nigeria’s Minister of Education is expected to attend.

The conference is an initiative of the Director General of the Rochas Foundation Ms Uloma Rochas and the eminent Nigerians who make up the Volunteer Corps of the foundation.

The conference is one way to orientate and establish a culture of volunteerism amongst Africans towards great causes such as education. It is also to be a call to raise more volunteers to take the foundation’s vision to greater height.

The major aftermath of this Volunteers’ conference will be to reach out to the rest of Africa starting by establishing a Rochas Foundation College in Kenya, East Africa to cater for the education of the less privileged children.

This conference is open for sponsorship from well meaning Africans and organizations as it introduces Volunteerism and Leadership as the ‘New Idea’ towards enhancing quality education.