AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Students of St Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State were on Friday inspired with renewed confidence and hope as the Seminary Saint Anne’s School Old Girls Association (SSASOGA), in partnership with Grit & Grace Initiative, mentored them on focus, self-belief and resilience as tools for success in life.
The programme, aimed at motivating young girls to rise above social and economic limitations, featured personal life stories from members of SSASOGA and officials of the non-profit organisation, who encouraged the students to remain determined and refuse to be defined by their background or present circumstances.
The organisers stressed that regardless of status or upbringing, students could achieve greatness if they remained focused, disciplined and steadfast in their goals.
In an interview at the sidelines of the programme, the National President of SSASOGA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Kehinde, said every successful person has a story that began with humble beginnings and determination.
“Everyone who has become somebody today has a story. One of the speakers shared how she grew up in a village, and when she later returned, people could hardly recognise her because of what God had done in her life. Another speaker spoke about how her mother sold roasted corn and plantain, which she helped with while she was a student of St Anne’s School,” she said.
According to her, the discipline and focus she found among fellow students at St Anne’s helped her set clear goals and ultimately succeed in life.
“She learned to ask herself what she wanted out of life, and that determination shaped her future. These stories are meant to inspire these young girls to believe that their present situation does not define their future,” Mrs Kehinde added.
She noted that her passion for giving back to the school was rooted in her own experience as a student.
The SASSOGA president said, “Many people invested in me while I was here—my teachers, principals and classmates. I grew up in Yemetu, but I had classmates who were children of permanent secretaries and others who came from abroad. Seeing them broadened my mindset, and that is what we want these girls to experience today.”
Mrs Kehinde also urged other old students of the school to reconnect with their alma mater and support ongoing development efforts. She stressed, “I joined the association when I attended a meeting here in 2016. I was encouraged to stay, and today I am the president. Giving back is a responsibility we should all embrace.”
Students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation for the initiative. The Head Girl of St Anne’s Junior School 1, Olutayo Joy Ebunoluwa, said the programme had broadened their understanding of life and career possibilities.
“We were encouraged not to think that our lives would end in the kitchen or be limited by marriage. We were taught to be focused, courageous and determined to become great in life,” she said.
Similarly, the school’s Social Prefect, Olawale Grace Adedayo, said the session boosted her confidence. She said, “I learned that we should not look down on ourselves. If we stay focused and determined, there is a great future ahead of us.”
The Assistant Games Prefect, Yinusa Anuoluwa, described the programme as enlightening, noting that students were advised to value themselves and resist negative influences.
In an interview, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grit & Grace Initiative, Mrs Catherine Oyenike Abagun, said the organisation was committed to instilling hope, confidence and resilience in young people.
“Our goal is to let young people know that they can become great and be positive change agents in society, regardless of their background,” she said.
Abagun, who recently authored a memoir titled Grit and Grace to mark her 60th birthday, said the book was designed to help young people make informed decisions at critical stages of life.
“From poverty and being raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet, I learned resilience early in life. If given the right information and support, these children can even achieve more than I have,” she said.
She added that the initiative had been taken to Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan, with plans to expand across the country in partnership with old students’ associations.
“The future of Nigeria is in the classroom. Despite challenges such as poor infrastructure, we want students to know that they can still rise above limitations through belief, hard work and clear goal-setting,” Abagun said.
She further disclosed that the initiative had also reached the Lagos Correctional Home for Girls at Idi-Araba, where students were taught resilience, goal-setting and self-belief.
“Dream big. Write your vision down, because there is power in writing. With persistence, discipline and faith, those dreams can become reality,” she added.
