Dreams in Action: DCF Empowers Benue Students with Scholarships, WAEC Fees, and School Supplies

By Benedicta Aboh

In a heartwarming move to support education in Benue, the Dream Community Foundation (DCF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has provided exercise books, school sandals, tuition fees, and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 20 students, alongside scholarships for 25 more pupils in both public and private schools across the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the foundation’s founder, Rahmatu Yakubu Ene, aims to give the less privileged a fair chance at academic success. The foundation visited two public schools and one private school in Makurdi town, distributing educational materials and financial support to students in need.

Speaking at Community Secondary School, Wadata, Ene-Yakubu said the gesture was motivated by the current economic hardships in the country.

"With the ongoing economic crisis, many parents are struggling to feed their families, let alone pay school fees. Some children are even being sent out of school because their fees cannot be paid," she explained.

The philanthropist, who graduated from Community Secondary School in 1998, shared that her visit was a personal mission to support her former school.

"For now, we are paying WAEC fees for five students and school fees for 10 others in primary and secondary schools. I strongly believe in securing the future of our children educationally, and paying their fees is a way of giving them the opportunity to become something in life," Ene-Yakubu said.

She added that the Dream Community Foundation was founded three years ago but officially launched this year, 2025. Since its inception, the foundation has trained beneficiaries in catering and fashion, while maintaining a scholarship program for 25 students.

"Today, we visited three schools where we donated books, school sandals, and paid WAEC fees for SSS 3 students, as well as PTA fees for over 15 pupils. I have been doing this alone, but I believe one day, individuals and organisations with passion for our cause will join us so we can reach even more children," she noted. Ene-Yakubu urged students to stay focused on their studies, emphasizing that hard work is the key to success.

School officials also expressed their gratitude for the foundation’s support. Mr. Ueter Ferdinand, Vice Principal (Administration) at Community Secondary School Makurdi, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of alumni giving back.

"We are particularly grateful that this support comes from a former student. We hope this gesture continues to expand and reach more students who are unable to pay their school fees," he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Kate Egwu, Head Teacher of CAC School, lauded the DCF and the Hausa community for their continued interventions.

"This gesture has made us proud. Over the years, we have benefited from donations and support that have improved our school infrastructure and learning materials. Today’s contribution of exercise books, school sandals, and payment of PTA fees is greatly appreciated," she stated.

Beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. Angela Atim, a student whose WAEC fee was covered, said the support came at a crucial time.

"I feel so happy and relieved receiving this help from the DCF. I promise to work hard and make the most of this opportunity," she said.

Through initiatives like this, the Dream Community Foundation continues to empower students in Benue State, proving that education and compassion can truly transform lives.