Mary Slessor Foundation unveils educational support fund for vulnerable children

 The Mary Slessor Memorial and Heritage Foundation on Monday unveiled an educational support fund for vulnerable children in Nigeria.

The Foundation while unveiling the fund in Calabar during its First Public Lecture to re-enact the life and works of the Scottish Missionary, Mary Slessor, called on well meaning Nigerians to support the laudable project.

Supreme reports that Mary Slessor, born on Dec. 2, 1848 and died on Jan. 13, 1915 was a Presbyterian Missionary who arrived Nigeria in 1876 at the age of 28

Slessor who is famous for ending the killing of twins in Okoyong, Cross River on her arrival in Nigeria, gained the trust and acceptance of the locals by learning the Efik language with which she was able to also spread Christianity as well as fight for women’s rights.

Speaking during the Public Lecture, the Programme Officer of the foundation, Mr Gabriel Adim, said they want to reach 250 vulnerable children with stationery donations and cash support.

“We hope to reach no fewer than 250 vulnerable and less privileged children in our schools with stationery donations and cash supports.

“We appeal to public-spirited individuals to support this initiative to advance the education of vulnerable children in our society,’’ Adim said.

In his remark, the Chairman of Calabar Municipality Local Government Area, Mr Efeffiong Eke made a financial donation to the foundation, and promised to continue to identify with the group.

Prof. Offiong Offiong, the Technical Committee Chairman of the Mary Slessor Foundation, recalled the exploits of Mary Slessor whom he regarded as an icon, noting that her contributions enriched the history of Calabar.

Offiong added that the memory of such rear personalities should be kept alive and stressed the need for the return of history to the education curricula in Nigeria.

Other events that took place at the event included a lecture delivered by Apostle Paul Bassey on the topic: “Effects of Missionary Exploits in Sub-Saharan Africa – the Calabar Perspective”.

The event also featured a presentation by the descendants of Mary Slessor and many sets of twins from Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

The twins who came under the auspices of Mary Slessor Twins Club of Cross River, and Twins Alive Foundation said they are alive because of the efforts of the selfless lady which ended the obnoxious practice of infanticide.