As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Grooming Centre donated a total of N4,080,000 to St. Louis Convent Boarding House in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, to support teachers’ salaries and ensure the continued education and development of the girl-child at St. Louis Junior Grammar School. For the 2023/2024 academic session, the Centre donated ₦2,880,000 to cover teachers’ salaries. Recognizing the need for additional educators, the Centre also funded the salaries of five extra teachers hired mid-session, with an additional contribution of ₦1,200,000. This funding helped address the school’s staffing shortages and ensured the continuity of quality education without disruption.
GROOMING CENTRE UNVEILS NEWLY RENOVATED ST. PETER’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, ABIA STATE
In October 2024, Grooming Centre, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, proudly unveiled the newly renovated St. Peter’s Secondary School in Awomnuzie, Abia State. Renovation works included brand-new classrooms designed for comfort and effective learning, fully equipped science laboratories, a state-of-the-art computer laboratory and advanced teaching tools such as interactive whiteboards and projectors, all aimed at fostering dynamic and engaging lessons.
The renovated school was unveiled in the presence of members of the Governing Council led by Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Noel Ihebuzor, the Centre’s Management, led by our CEO Dr. Godwin Nwabunka and the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, led by the Bishop of Umuahia, Most Reverend Micheal Ukpong and other dignitaries who came together to celebrate this significant milestone.
The Centre believes that education is the foundation of thriving communities. Through initiatives like this, we remain committed to empowering children with the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
931 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS IN 8TH EDITION OF GROOMING’S LADY KATE OKAFOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
On October 18, 2024, Grooming Centre hosted the 8th Edition of Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme (LKOSS), marking yet another significant milestone in its commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering young minds.
This prestigious event honored over 931 secondary school students from across the Centre, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements with scholarships. The occasion brought together our esteemed clients, dedicated staff, and other distinguished guests to celebrate the hard work and determination of these bright students. Each recipient was carefully selected for their exceptional academic performance, dedication, and commitment to their studies. The Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme remains a powerful testament to the Centre’s unwavering commitment to educational empowerment and social development.
Through Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme, we continue to provide deserving students with the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams and unlock their full potential, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
150 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WIN N20M GROOMING RESEARCH UNIVERSITY GRANT
The 2024 Edition of the Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme came to a successful conclusion on the 15th of November 2024, in Lagos State, marking another significant milestone in the Centre’s ongoing mission to support students’ educational journeys.
This year, over 150 applicants were selected as winners, including 100 undergraduate students and 50 postgraduate students, each receiving ₦100,000 to further their academic pursuits. The award ceremony was a joyous occasion, celebrating the hard work, determination, and excellence of the winners.
The University Grant Scheme continues to play a pivotal role in promoting research, innovation and supporting students in their academic pursuits.
Grooming Centre Renovates Abia School, Enhances Learning for Local Students
In a boost for education in Abia State, the non-governmental organisation Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre has completed a large-scale renovation of St. Peter’s Secondary School in Awomnuzie, Ikwuano Local Government Area.
The initiative has transformed the school with state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced science labs, and modern digital learning tools, which leaders hope will improve educational opportunities for local students.
Founded in 2006, Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre is known for its work in financially supporting Nigeria’s economically active poor, but its mission extends well beyond financial aid.
By investing in education, Grooming Centre aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for economic independence. The renovation at St. Peter’s Secondary School is one of several education-focused initiatives the NGO has supported.
At the handover ceremony, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, Founder and CEO of Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre, emphasized the organization’s commitment to community empowerment through education. “Empowering communities goes beyond providing financial services,” he stated. “It’s about shaping a future where poverty is reduced through education and opportunity. We believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education. That’s why initiatives like this are at the heart of what we do.”
The project, completed in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, involved renovating classrooms and equipping laboratories for physics, chemistry, and biology. The school now also features a computer lab and new administrative offices. Interactive whiteboards, projectors, and other digital tools are part of the upgrades, creating an environment designed to prepare students for a technology-driven world.
Speaking on behalf of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, Bishop of Umuahia, praised the organization’s commitment to empowering youth. “The management of Grooming Centre, led by Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, has provided students with an enabling environment that nurtures future leaders,” he said. “Their dedication to quality education is making a huge impact on the lives of these students, and we are grateful.”
Other projects by the organization include the Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme, an initiative offering scholarships to 931 secondary school students across Lagos. This program, now in its eighth year, funds Senior Secondary School fees for deserving Junior Secondary students, providing a foundation for them to pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Through scholarships and initiatives like the school renovation in Abia, Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering educational development in Nigeria.
AWARD CEREMONY
The Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme initiative had its award ceremony for the V edition on Thursday, August 26, 2021. The Centre has remained committed to promoting education and empowering students. Over the years, we have made significant impact with initiatives like the LKOSS, which has successfully awarded over 1,300 students with scholarships.
The scholarship scheme also serves as a platform to support clients, empower children and contribute to the education and development and is set to cover three years of Senior Secondary School education. In other educational initiatives, preparation for the 2021 Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme is ongoing. The Scheme will provide 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students with research grants.
Grooming Centre donates E-library
Grooming Centre continues to provide corporate social support to the bottom of the pyramid in line with its mission and vision. In this vein, the Centre demonstrated its belief in the provision of quality education to every child by donating an E-library to St. Francis Catholic Secondary School Idimu, Lagos. The donation will further prepare the students for an increasingly digital future.
The E-library was presented on July 20, 2019 at the Graduation ceremony of the Class of ’19 by the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer and Guest Speaker of the occasion, Dr Godwin Nwabunka to the School Administrator, Rev. Fr. Leo Muoneme, SJ., with members of the Centre’s Management Team in attendance.
Donation of Block of Classroom to Abolarin College
The officially opening of the new classroom blocks at Abolarin College, Oke-Ila Orangun donated by Grooming Centre held on the 6th of December , 2018. The ceremony included speeches from xxx and xxx, with other dignitaries in attendance were xxx and xxx. This reflects the Centre’s continuous dedication to promoting education for the less privileged.
Grooming Talents
The Talents Transcend show, which was co-sponsored by Grooming Centre held on Thursday 25/10/2018 at Frankids hall in Festac, Lagos. The event organized by Talents Transcend Services hosted over 500 children between the ages of 7-15 years who competed in the categories of Music, Dance and Creative Art. The children were judged by professionals and at the end, were given awards. GC was represented by SPM and PMM
Support to Abolarin College – Free Tuition and Boarding for Underprivileged Children
Abolarin College was established to provide free quality education to underprivileged children from deprived families that cannot afford to send their children to standard schools. The school provides full tuition and boarding facilities in the serene environment of Oke-Ila, Osun State. Grooming Centre has donated toward the upkeep of the students of Abolarin College and, till date, is committed to contributing to the development of a conducive learning atmosphere and provision of learning materials in the college.