By Monic Okechukwu
The Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend paulinus Ezeokafor through The Justice, Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, in collaboration with a non-governmental organization Help For All (HIFA) in Austria, on February 7, 2026, offered Scholarship Awards to the tune of N12.6m to indegent school children across all denominations.
The event which took place at the JDPC Office premises at St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, also featured issuance of cheques of One hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N150k) to the beneficiaries.
The event attracted school children who were the beneficiaries, their parents, teachers and other stakeholders.In a welcome speech, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, noted that the funds for the scholarships are being raised through the sweat and sacrifices of the donors, who are retired teachers, most of them old and not so wealthy, but deny themselves certain pleasures to be able to scratch out the money to assist the needy.
The Bishop represented by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Charles Ndubisi, corrected the misconception in some quarters that money flows like water or grows on trees where one can just go and pluck abroad, pointing out that those people also work hard and suffer to earn a living but only decide to donate for the sake of humanity.
The Bishop’s representative further lamented the attitude of some Nigerians whom he noted, waste resources while the citizens live in abject poverty and urged such people to discard such mindset and emulate those benefactors who live the life of giving and assisting the less privileged.
The Diocesan Chancellor also admonished the children to be of good use to the Church and society, as well as spread the Gospel and Good News of what the Church is doing to improve humanity and ignore those who claim that the Church or education is a scam.
The Prelate prayed that the beneficiaries will be a blessing to the Church, and humanity at large.Earlier in his opening remarks, the Executive Director, JDPC Awka Catholic Diocese and Chairman, Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev Fr. Levi Ukor, said the Scholarship Scheme was initiated decades ago by an Austrian, Adolf Pasta, who died three years ago, but the project was taken over by his daughter, who has continued the project till date
According to Father Ukor, the scholarship scheme which was Co-founded by Adolf Pasta and the late Rev. Fr Aaron Ekwu, aims to offer financial support to indegent schools children, in nursery, primary and secondary school levels.
Rev. Fr Ukor further informed that the program does not discriminate, but covers all races, tribes and religions, adding that 6 states including Anambra, are benefitting from the scholarship scheme.He warned against presenting fake or altered documents and results as such fraudulent acts attract consequences
The JDPC Executive Director further intimated that the sponsors have continued to step up the financial assistance every year to meet the demands and changes of current economic situation, and urged parents to ensure they save part of the funds as it is expected that the funds should be able to also take the children through tertiary education.
Furthermore, he noted that the Bishop could have channeled the funds to other numerous needs of the Diocese, and enjoined the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the Church after their education by being worthy in character and learning so as to add value to the Church, their families and society at large.
Also speaking, the Education Secretary of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, lamented that no government in the State has ever given the mission school up to 20% of its education budget, yet people complain that mission schools are usually expensive.
He reminded all that the Church has too many challenges including paying teachers and other staff members, stating that they should actually praise the Church for quality education, serene and conducive education environment, Supervision and monitoring, discipline and morals instilled in the children.
The Awka Catholic Diocesan Education Secretary further revealed that the Diocese has mandated all schools under its control to initiate practical entrepreneurial skills in such a manner that all schools in the Diocese will be known for particular skills as further empowerment when the child leaves school.
Reverend Father Okonkwo prayed for proper utilization of the funds and njoined the children to be eternally grateful to the Church, spread the Gospel, as well as give back to the society and all that are instrumental to their success in life.
Commenting also, the JDPC Chairman, Hon. Paulinus Adinuba, thanked God for His benevolence and also expressed gratitude to all that made the event a success
While expressing their appreciation, two of the beneficiaries from primary and secondary schools, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the Bishop, JDPC and HIFA, the Church, the Priests and all those who sacrificed and contributed to help them achieve their dreams and promised not to disappoint them.
Highlights of the Scholarship Award event include presentation of cheques to the parents of the beneficiaries.
