In a heartwarming demonstration of compassion and commitment to community development, Project100, an initiative founded by Shetu Gamaliel (popularly known as Chef Mimi), has once again brought smiles to the faces of pupils and parents in Zhidu Primary School, a remote community located along Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja. The initiative, tagged Back-to-School Program/BlessedFeet Campaign, took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, reaffirming the organization’s mission to make education accessible to vulnerable children and inspire hope where it is most needed.
The outreach marked the second phase of Project100’s 2025 community intervention effort, following the successful May edition. This October drive focused on the distribution of scholarships, school bags, learning materials, and footwear to children whose families struggle to meet the cost of basic education. The event captured the spirit of empathy, resilience, and grassroots impact as over 150 pupils benefited from the day’s activities.
Arriving at the modest Zhidu Primary School compound at about 10:30 a.m., the Project100 team immediately swung into action—setting up logistics, verifying beneficiaries, and making fee payments for the 30 selected scholarship pupils spanning Nursery to Primary Six. Despite the harsh weather and difficult road conditions leading to the community, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy.
The event began formally with the National Anthem and Pledge, followed by remarks from the Vice Principal, the Community Youth Leader, and the school’s Principal. Their collective message was one of gratitude and hope, acknowledging the team’s effort in reaching such an underserved area.
In his address, Gabriel Olowookere, the Project Director, introduced Project100 and its vision of transforming communities through sustainable education support. He charged the pupils to “dream big, stay disciplined, and take their studies seriously,” reminding them that education remains the most powerful tool to change their destinies. His words struck a deep chord among the pupils, who responded with visible excitement and renewed determination.
The session that followed was both engaging and inspiring. Senior Project100 representatives, Jummai Gundiri and Florence Oyelade, led motivational talks and interactive discussions with the pupils. Questions about their dreams, favorite subjects, and future ambitions drew laughter and applause, as the children showcased their intelligence and confidence. Those who answered correctly received small gifts, symbolizing the power of encouragement in nurturing young minds.
The highlight of the event came when the names of scholarship recipients were called. Each child walked proudly to the front, receiving a package that included a new school bag, BlessedFeet school shoes, white socks, multiple exercise books, writing materials, and a *Continuous Assessment textbook* . Their school fees for the term were also fully paid. Many could not hide their excitement, their smiles lighting up the dusty school compound.
In an especially moving moment, 10 barefoot pupils were each gifted new pairs of shoes and socks—an act that brought tears to the eyes of teachers and volunteers alike. The day also featured a lively cultural dance by the pupils, drawing applause and cheers from the gathered crowd.
Despite the scorching sun and limited infrastructure, the Project100 team pressed on, ensuring every child received attention and care. The event concluded at 1:20 p.m. with a chorus of gratitude as the children joyfully chanted songs of appreciation to their benefactors.
According to post-event data, Project100 reached a total of 156 pupils during the exercise. Thirty pupils received full-term scholarships, 40 pairs of shoes and socks were distributed, and 40 school bags were given out. Over 250 exercise books and numerous writing materials were shared among all pupils, while 30 *Continuous Assessment* textbooks were provided.
The intervention not only met the educational needs of pupils but also strengthened community trust and engagement. Local leaders described the program as “a beacon of hope for poor families,” praising the consistency of Project100’s outreach efforts.
However, the team observed several challenges within Zhidu Primary School that call for urgent attention. Many classrooms lacked adequate tables and chairs, forcing pupils to sit on the floor. The absence of ceiling fans and electricity also made learning conditions harsh. The report recommended future interventions to address these structural deficiencies, as well as the introduction of volunteer teaching programs to enhance learning outcomes.
Looking ahead, Project100 plans to expand its Back-to-School initiative by empowering the parents and guardians of scholarship beneficiaries through skills training and small business support. The organization also intends to strengthen its partnership network to scale the BlessedFeet Campaign across more communities before the end of 2025, alongside a short media documentary capturing its impact stories.
For Project100, the Zhidu outreach was more than just another charity event—it was a reaffirmation of faith in the transformative power of education. “We are leaving lasting footprints of hope, one child at a time,” the team’s report concluded.
As the sun set over Zhidu that Tuesday afternoon, the sight of children proudly clutching their new books and bags was a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures of kindness can leave the biggest marks on the road to a brighter future.