 In a world where access to quality education remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, passionate individuals like Penner Paul Adedoyin are stepping up to make a difference. As the founder of the Penner Paul Foundation, Penner Paul has dedicated her life to advocating for educational inclusion and empowering young minds through mentorship and support. Recently, NigerianNGO interviewed Penner Paul, an inspirational teacher whose journey from a low-income community to becoming a leader in educational advocacy is nothing short of remarkable. In this interview, she shares the vision behind her foundation, the challenges she has faced, and the impact her work has made on countless lives. Join us as we delve into the story of Penner Paul Adedoyin, a true champion of education and a beacon of hope for the next generation. NigerianNGO: Tell us about yourself? Penner Paul Adedoyin: My name is Penner Paul Adedoyin, an advocate for quality education and a passionate inspirational teacher. I am dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. Through my foundation, the Penner Paul Foundation, I have worked tirelessly to bridge the gap in educational inclusion, focusing on students in underserved communities. My journey has been fueled by my personal experiences growing up in a low-income community, where I saw firsthand the struggles many children faced in accessing education. I believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities, and I have committed my life to making a difference in this space. NigerianNGO: What inspired you to start the Penner Paul Foundation? Penner Paul Adedoyin: During my four years of schooling in a low-income community, I noticed that many children struggled with basic communication in English and lacked foundational mathematical skills. This experience made me realize how critical it is to provide children with proper educational support. In my second year at Olabisi Onabanjo University, I started a free tutorial program for children in my hostel community, focusing on English and mathematics. I also gave them moral and inspirational talks to help them develop confidence and leadership skills. At the end of each week, I conducted academic and self-assessments, which helped me understand their learning progress and needs. This small initiative ignited a bigger vision in me. Even when I had no clear idea of what I wanted to do and lacked financial resources, I still felt a strong burden to do more. Over time, I collaborated with other NGOs, such as Teach for Nigeria, to further promote educational inclusion. Eventually, this passion led me to establish the Penner Paul Foundation, dedicated to supporting children’s education and mentoring young leaders. NigerianNGO: Wow, this is so inspirational. What are some of the success stories from Penner Paul Foundation? Penner Paul Adedoyin: Penner Paul Foundation has carried out numerous outreach programs, positively impacting children, students, and underserved communities. In the area of educational sponsorship and support, the foundation has paid school fees for students from low-income backgrounds, sponsored JAMB and GCE forms for those unable to afford them, and provided essential school materials such as books, uniforms, and bags to encourage learning. Through mentorship and university admission support, students at ACE Academy preparing for JAMB received guidance, leading to successful university admissions. Notably, a mentee named Benjamin, despite limited resources, scored high in JAMB, gained admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, and has since excelled academically. Outreach efforts also extend to orphanages and juvenile centers, where the foundation has conducted inspirational sessions on self-worth, education, and leadership. Visits to multiple orphanages across different states have provided educational materials and moral support. For street children and underprivileged youth, the foundation launched the "Love on the Street" project to promote educational inclusion by providing learning materials and mentorship. Additionally, career guidance sessions have been hosted to help teenagers make informed academic and career choices. To mark its 5th anniversary in May 2024, the foundation distributed school bags, notebooks, and food items to hundreds of children under the Fortune Football Academy in Oshodi. NigerianNGO: How does your organization receive support in terms of funding? Penner Paul Adedoyin: At the moment, Penner Paul Foundation relies on support from individuals and my personal savings to carry out our outreach programs. I have personally funded several projects because I strongly believe in the mission of ensuring education for all. However, we are looking up to God to win grants now and in the future so we can expand our impact and sustain our projects on a larger scale. Winning grants and sponsorships will help us reach more children, implement bigger projects, and transform more lives. NigerianNGO: What are the challenges you faced in bringing the vision of Penner Paul Foundation to life? Penner Paul Adedoyin: Running the Penner Paul Foundation has come with several challenges, primarily due to the passion-driven nature of the organization rather than financial backing. One major challenge is funding constraints, as most projects are personally funded without external sponsorship, which can be limiting. Another challenge is balancing work and passion, as education advocacy and community impact are my true passions, yet the need to work for personal sustenance remains. Although the desire is to focus solely on the foundation, financial realities make it necessary to maintain a regular job. Additionally, I have faced rejections and doubts, as some people have underestimated my ability to lead an NGO due to my stature. However, through resilience and faith, the foundation's impact continues to grow despite these obstacles. NigerianNGO: What events or projects do you have coming up in the near future? Penner Paul Adedoyin: We have several upcoming projects that focus on education, health, and personal development for children and students. These include:
All these projects are strategically planned and executed in alignment with seasons, resources, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. NigerianNGO: What advice would you give to aspiring NGO founders? Penner Paul Adedoyin: Starting an NGO requires passion, resilience, and patience. It is important to begin with available resources rather than waiting for the perfect moment or substantial funding, as small beginnings can lead to significant impact over time. Aspiring NGO founders should be prepared for challenges, as the journey is not easy, but staying committed to the mission is essential. Building relationships and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations can help expand reach and amplify impact. Trusting in God and the process is also vital, as growth takes time and even small efforts can create lasting change. NigerianNGO: Do you have any words of encouragement for people who lack essential needs at the moment? Penner Paul Adedoyin: Tough times do not last forever, and your current situation does not define your future. It is important to keep learning, pushing forward, and maintaining faith in better days ahead. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek growth opportunities, knowing that God has a plan for your life. No matter the hardship, hope and determination can open new doors and lead to brighter possibilities. Here’s my quote: Every child has the right to quality education, but not every child has access to quality education. However, with the SDG 4 & 17 goals, we can create educational inclusion."— Penner Paul Adedoyin Together, we can create educational inclusion and empower the next generation! NigerianNGO: For readers interested in your work, how can they connect with you and support your initiatives? Penner Paul Adedoyin: We welcome support and collaboration from individuals and organizations who believe in our mission. You can reach out to us through: - Email: [email protected] - Phone: 09098867291 / 09012622535 - Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter at Penner Paul Foundation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |