Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has brought hope and relief to 84 indigent students in Anambra State with the payment of their tuition fees amounting to N12.6 million.

The intervention, carried out through the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Awka Diocese, was made possible in collaboration with Help For All (HIFA) Initiative, Austria, a non-governmental organisation formed and funded by retired teachers in Austria.

The cheques were presented to the beneficiaries at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, in an atmosphere filled with gratitude and renewed determination. Addressing the students, Bishop Ezeokafor urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits and strive for excellence, stressing that education remains the surest path to greatness.

Represented by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, and accompanied by the Education Secretary of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, the bishop reminded the students that the opportunity placed before them must not be taken for granted.

“Take your studies seriously, maintain good conduct and guard against distractions and anything that will deny you the opportunity of enjoying the largesse as well as losing focus,” he advised. “Without education, you may not get to that height you so desire. Only hardworking students will continue to enjoy the payment package, while the unserious ones will be dropped.”

Executive Director of JDPC Awka Diocese and Chairman of the Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, explained that the support reflects a long-standing partnership with HIFA Austria, whose sponsors are keenly interested in the academic performance and progress reports of the beneficiaries.

“The sponsors are interested in your results, your performance and reports from the school authorities. These are the things encouraging them to increase the support beyond the usual N125,000 per student,” he said.

According to him, in recognition of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, the organisation increased the support to N150,000 per student this year, bringing the total disbursement close to N13 million.

Rev. Fr. Ukor commended Bishop Ezeokafor for his consistent commitment to uplifting indigent students and described the initiative as a life-changing project that has empowered many gifted but underprivileged children over the years.

He further cautioned parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for the intended purpose and challenged the students to reciprocate the gesture by excelling academically and becoming shining examples in society.

Explaining the selection process, he said indigent students are identified annually through applications submitted during JDPC monthly meetings. Each applicant undergoes thorough investigation before their names are forwarded to HIFA Austria for approval and release of funds.

Beyond tuition support, JDPC, in partnership with HIFA, also undertakes the building and renovation of schools and hospitals, provides transportation to ease mobility challenges, pays medical bills for the destitute, and offers skill acquisition training to empower vulnerable individuals.

HIFA Austria currently operates in six states across Nigeria, delivering humanitarian services aimed at restoring dignity and improving livelihoods.

The beneficiaries, drawn from schools and denominations across Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ozubulu, Ihiala, Ekwuluobi, Orumba and other communities, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the bishop and the sponsors. Many pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by working harder in their studies and striving to become agents of positive change in their communities.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the funds to parents of the students, a moment that drew visible emotion and gratitude from families whose financial burdens were significantly eased.

For the Diocese and its partners, the gesture is not merely financial assistance but a reaffirmation that investing in education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building a brighter future.Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has brought hope and relief to 84 indigent students in Anambra State with the payment of their tuition fees amounting to N12.6 million.

The intervention, carried out through the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Awka Diocese, was made possible in collaboration with Help For All (HIFA) Initiative, Austria, a non-governmental organisation formed and funded by retired teachers in Austria.

The cheques were presented to the beneficiaries at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, in an atmosphere filled with gratitude and renewed determination. Addressing the students, Bishop Ezeokafor urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits and strive for excellence, stressing that education remains the surest path to greatness.

Represented by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, and accompanied by the Education Secretary of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, the bishop reminded the students that the opportunity placed before them must not be taken for granted.

“Take your studies seriously, maintain good conduct and guard against distractions and anything that will deny you the opportunity of enjoying the largesse as well as losing focus,” he advised. “Without education, you may not get to that height you so desire. Only hardworking students will continue to enjoy the payment package, while the unserious ones will be dropped.”

Executive Director of JDPC Awka Diocese and Chairman of the Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, explained that the support reflects a long-standing partnership with HIFA Austria, whose sponsors are keenly interested in the academic performance and progress reports of the beneficiaries.

“The sponsors are interested in your results, your performance and reports from the school authorities. These are the things encouraging them to increase the support beyond the usual N125,000 per student,” he said.

According to him, in recognition of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, the organisation increased the support to N150,000 per student this year, bringing the total disbursement close to N13 million.

Rev. Fr. Ukor commended Bishop Ezeokafor for his consistent commitment to uplifting indigent students and described the initiative as a life-changing project that has empowered many gifted but underprivileged children over the years.

He further cautioned parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for the intended purpose and challenged the students to reciprocate the gesture by excelling academically and becoming shining examples in society.

Explaining the selection process, he said indigent students are identified annually through applications submitted during JDPC monthly meetings. Each applicant undergoes thorough investigation before their names are forwarded to HIFA Austria for approval and release of funds.

Beyond tuition support, JDPC, in partnership with HIFA, also undertakes the building and renovation of schools and hospitals, provides transportation to ease mobility challenges, pays medical bills for the destitute, and offers skill acquisition training to empower vulnerable individuals.

HIFA Austria currently operates in six states across Nigeria, delivering humanitarian services aimed at restoring dignity and improving livelihoods.

The beneficiaries, drawn from schools and denominations across Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ozubulu, Ihiala, Ekwuluobi, Orumba and other communities, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the bishop and the sponsors. Many pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by working harder in their studies and striving to become agents of positive change in their communities.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the funds to parents of the students, a moment that drew visible emotion and gratitude from families whose financial burdens were significantly eased.

For the Diocese and its partners, the gesture is not merely financial assistance but a reaffirmation that investing in education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building a brighter future.Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has brought hope and relief to 84 indigent students in Anambra State with the payment of their tuition fees amounting to N12.6 million.

The intervention, carried out through the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Awka Diocese, was made possible in collaboration with Help For All (HIFA) Initiative, Austria, a non-governmental organisation formed and funded by retired teachers in Austria.

The cheques were presented to the beneficiaries at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, in an atmosphere filled with gratitude and renewed determination. Addressing the students, Bishop Ezeokafor urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits and strive for excellence, stressing that education remains the surest path to greatness.

Represented by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, and accompanied by the Education Secretary of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, the bishop reminded the students that the opportunity placed before them must not be taken for granted.

“Take your studies seriously, maintain good conduct and guard against distractions and anything that will deny you the opportunity of enjoying the largesse as well as losing focus,” he advised. “Without education, you may not get to that height you so desire. Only hardworking students will continue to enjoy the payment package, while the unserious ones will be dropped.”

Executive Director of JDPC Awka Diocese and Chairman of the Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, explained that the support reflects a long-standing partnership with HIFA Austria, whose sponsors are keenly interested in the academic performance and progress reports of the beneficiaries.

“The sponsors are interested in your results, your performance and reports from the school authorities. These are the things encouraging them to increase the support beyond the usual N125,000 per student,” he said.

According to him, in recognition of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, the organisation increased the support to N150,000 per student this year, bringing the total disbursement close to N13 million.

Rev. Fr. Ukor commended Bishop Ezeokafor for his consistent commitment to uplifting indigent students and described the initiative as a life-changing project that has empowered many gifted but underprivileged children over the years.

He further cautioned parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for the intended purpose and challenged the students to reciprocate the gesture by excelling academically and becoming shining examples in society.

Explaining the selection process, he said indigent students are identified annually through applications submitted during JDPC monthly meetings. Each applicant undergoes thorough investigation before their names are forwarded to HIFA Austria for approval and release of funds.

Beyond tuition support, JDPC, in partnership with HIFA, also undertakes the building and renovation of schools and hospitals, provides transportation to ease mobility challenges, pays medical bills for the destitute, and offers skill acquisition training to empower vulnerable individuals.

HIFA Austria currently operates in six states across Nigeria, delivering humanitarian services aimed at restoring dignity and improving livelihoods.

The beneficiaries, drawn from schools and denominations across Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ozubulu, Ihiala, Ekwuluobi, Orumba and other communities, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the bishop and the sponsors. Many pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by working harder in their studies and striving to become agents of positive change in their communities.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the funds to parents of the students, a moment that drew visible emotion and gratitude from families whose financial burdens were significantly eased.

For the Diocese and its partners, the gesture is not merely financial assistance but a reaffirmation that investing in education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building a brighter future.The intervention, carried out through the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Awka Diocese, was made possible in collaboration with Help For All (HIFA) Initiative, Austria, a non-governmental organisation formed and funded by retired teachers in Austria.

The cheques were presented to the beneficiaries at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, in an atmosphere filled with gratitude and renewed determination. Addressing the students, Bishop Ezeokafor urged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits and strive for excellence, stressing that education remains the surest path to greatness.

Represented by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, and accompanied by the Education Secretary of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, the bishop reminded the students that the opportunity placed before them must not be taken for granted.

“Take your studies seriously, maintain good conduct and guard against distractions and anything that will deny you the opportunity of enjoying the largesse as well as losing focus,” he advised. “Without education, you may not get to that height you so desire. Only hardworking students will continue to enjoy the payment package, while the unserious ones will be dropped.”

Executive Director of JDPC Awka Diocese and Chairman of the Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor, explained that the support reflects a long-standing partnership with HIFA Austria, whose sponsors are keenly interested in the academic performance and progress reports of the beneficiaries.

“The sponsors are interested in your results, your performance and reports from the school authorities. These are the things encouraging them to increase the support beyond the usual N125,000 per student,” he said.

According to him, in recognition of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, the organisation increased the support to N150,000 per student this year, bringing the total disbursement close to N13 million.

Rev. Fr. Ukor commended Bishop Ezeokafor for his consistent commitment to uplifting indigent students and described the initiative as a life-changing project that has empowered many gifted but underprivileged children over the years.

He further cautioned parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for the intended purpose and challenged the students to reciprocate the gesture by excelling academically and becoming shining examples in society.

Explaining the selection process, he said indigent students are identified annually through applications submitted during JDPC monthly meetings. Each applicant undergoes thorough investigation before their names are forwarded to HIFA Austria for approval and release of funds.

Beyond tuition support, JDPC, in partnership with HIFA, also undertakes the building and renovation of schools and hospitals, provides transportation to ease mobility challenges, pays medical bills for the destitute, and offers skill acquisition training to empower vulnerable individuals.

HIFA Austria currently operates in six states across Nigeria, delivering humanitarian services aimed at restoring dignity and improving livelihoods.

The beneficiaries, drawn from schools and denominations across Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ozubulu, Ihiala, Ekwuluobi, Orumba and other communities, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the bishop and the sponsors. Many pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by working harder in their studies and striving to become agents of positive change in their communities.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the funds to parents of the students, a moment that drew visible emotion and gratitude from families whose financial burdens were significantly eased.

For the Diocese and its partners, the gesture is not merely financial assistance but a reaffirmation that investing in education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building a brighter future.