Danjuma Foundation Doles Out N119m Grant For Health, Education Devt (By leadersip,ng)

The sum of N119.8 million has been doled out by the T.Y.Danjuma Foundation for development of health and education projects in undeserved communities in seven states.

The 17 recipients of the grant are indigenous –based non governmental organizations, who are expected to implement specific projects in seven states of the country.

Speaking to journalists on Monday during the  T.Y.Danjuma Foundation Grantees Training/Grant Check Presentation event in Abuja,  the chief executive officer of the T.Y.Foundation, Dr Sunday Udo, said the grants approved by the foundation’s board will help implement “life-touching projects in the areas of community health and education, and skills training across 20 localities in Taraba, Edo, Kaduna, Borno, Nasarawa, Katsina and Benue.”

He, however, noted that the shortfall in this year’s grant was occasioned by the prevailing economic situation in the country.

According to Udo, the foundation’s yearly grants have been supporting community projects since 2009, but they fell for the first time compared to total grants in 2016.

“Yes, the grant has reduced. That is also a reflection of the current situation in the country. Yes, we would like to do more beyond now.  But as it is, we just have to spend the bill with our current resource.

He said the 17 projects are around 4 percent of the total applications of over 500 the board received, calling it “an indication of the huge need out there.”

Udo, who expressed satisfaction with the projects being carried out so far with aid from the foundation said, “Very exciting projects; the health projects, the education projects. For example, the school feeding project is exciting. We are very happy to participate in such programme because it is something that is helping to improve our education system because if children don’t eat well, they can’t study well.”

He said the foundation has scheduled a training for recipients of its grants in Abuja to shore up their skills in project and finance management.

“That’s a reflection of the current situation in the country. We are hoping to do more even beyond now, but as it is, we just have to spend within our current resource,” said Udo.