“We’ll be giving them to the teachers who will use them to teach and support students. The economic situation has made it difficult for many families to afford textbooks. This donation is timely and will go a long way.
— Dr. Eke Iheukwumere Clarice
Founder of The Sisi Empowerment Foundation, Miss Taiye Adesewa Oyinloye in a group photograph with the school management staff..
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
In a modest but impactful event at Junior Secondary School (JSS), Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, the power of community-driven philanthropy unfolded in the form of books—tools of transformation for young, underprivileged minds. The Sisi Empowerment Foundation, also known as HEY SISSY, made a heartwarming donation of 100 academic textbooks covering English Language, Mathematics, and Literature, providing much-needed educational support for students struggling to afford learning materials.
The founder of HEY SISSY, Taiye Adesewa Oyinloye, speaking passionately during the presentation, described education as a core value of her NGO. “HEY SISSY is committed to giving lifeline to indigent students who are struggling with their studies due to lack of financial support,” she said.
She further explained that the donation was a product of sheer determination and resilience. “I feel fulfilled doing this because it is not easy. I tried to collaborate, but that did not work, so I had to crowdfund to raise money and get this project done. Although I didn’t meet my fundraising target, I’m happy we are able to contribute our quota to the future of these children,” Oyinloye shared.
For HEY SISSY, this act of kindness is only one among many. In just one and a half years, the foundation has impacted over 1,200 females and grown to over 340 community members spanning more than 15 states in Nigeria. Among its remarkable initiatives is a major sanitary pad donation campaign where 600 packs of pads were distributed to girls and women at the Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja and Government Day Secondary School, Danialu, Kwara State.
The foundation has also organized leadership training sessions on the International Day of the Girl Child, reaching about 200 girls in Abuja and Lagos. In December 2024, it spread holiday cheer by donating food items, clothes, and toiletries to children with special needs at To Omo Re Center for Special Empowerment in Kwara State.
The principal of JSS Wuse Zone 6, Dr. Eke Iheukwumere Clarice, expressed heartfelt gratitude to HEY SISSY, assuring that the school would ensure effective utilization of the donated books. “We’ll be giving them to the teachers who will use them to teach and support students. The economic situation has made it difficult for many families to afford textbooks. This donation is timely and will go a long way in encouraging reading culture,” she said.
The Hey SISSY team in a group photograph with the school students
A JSS 2 student, Praise John, also extended her appreciation. “The books will help me and my friends a lot. Thank you, HEY SISSY,” she said with a smile.
Across Nigeria, non-governmental organizations have become vital actors in transforming the educational landscape, especially for underserved communities. With government resources stretched thin and economic challenges deepening, NGOs like HEY SISSY are stepping in to fill the gap.
From providing school supplies and paying school fees, to building infrastructure and empowering teachers, NGOs have been instrumental in giving poor children access to quality education. These interventions not only improve learning outcomes but also reduce dropout rates and foster community development.
In rural and semi-urban communities, where government support may be slow or absent, NGOs become lifelines. Through donor support, volunteerism, and partnerships, they bring hope and learning opportunities to the doorsteps of those who need them most.
While the efforts of NGOs like HEY SISSY are commendable, they cannot do it alone. Corporate institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and government agencies must join hands in supporting such initiatives. Sponsoring educational projects, funding school materials, or even providing operational support can help organizations like HEY SISSY reach more children and scale their impact.
Government departments and parastatals, particularly those under education, youth, and women affairs, should consider creating grants or subventions to sustain grassroots educational NGOs. Their reach, agility, and community trust make them effective partners in realizing national educational goals.
In a time when millions of Nigerian children still lack access to basic learning tools, the time to act is now. HEY SISSY has shown what is possible with little resources and big determination. With collective support, they can do even more.
Education is not just a right; it is a lifeline. And every book, every donation, every act of kindness counts.
