The Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation has carried out its 2025 Back-to-School Initiative, delivering support to primary and secondary schools across Nigeria with a focus on learning materials, infrastructure improvement, and empowerment programs linked to rehabilitation. The initiative was executed in partnership with SOHCAHTOA Foundation, Saturn Home Appliance, and the Center for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation. A key part of the programme was the Empower to Rebuild project, a vocational rehabilitation effort inside the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Inmates in carpentry training produced 100 three-seater desks, now providing seating for 300 students. HAEF and its partners also supported the issuance of official trade certifications from the Lagos State Ministry of Labour to help long-term reintegration.
The interventions reached several communities with specific supplies. In Makoko, the team delivered 150 uniforms, 42 desks, 750 books, and helped with road sand-filling. In Ijesha-Ijebu, the support included 30 desks, uniforms, footwear, and 600 books. Through the James Opeyemi Foundation, 2,000 notebooks were provided. At Ikoyi, 28 chairs were supplied along with classroom renovation. In Abuja, 25 chairs were distributed in partnership with Preston Development Foundation. Across Lagos, Ibadan, and Ekiti, school fees were paid for selected vulnerable children.
Speaking on the initiative, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Lead Pastor at HICC, said education remains central to the organisation’s mission. According to him, “Education is one of the greatest levers for long-term transformation. Our strategy is simple target communities with the highest need and intervene with dignity-centered support. This year, we demonstrated that empowerment can also rebuild lives behind prison walls. We are proud to see inmates actively shaping the future of young Nigerians.”
HAEF described the Back-to-School Initiative as part of its wider work to expand access to education, enterprise, and essential services. The organisation also highlighted the value of collaboration, noting that NGOs, private companies, and volunteers contributed resources, time, and technical skills.
Harvesters International Christian Center, founded in 2003, continues to operate as a global ministry focused on changing lives and influencing culture, with locations in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its CSR arm, HAEF, supports disadvantaged people across Africa through programs in education, entrepreneurship, feeding schemes, and assistance for Internally Displaced Persons.
