By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

Students in Anambra State have been admonished to key into learning culture to improve in their studies and be better persons in the society.

The admonition was made at the 3rd edition of annual leadership programme, organized by the Worldwide Organization for Women in Africa International (WOW Africa ), Anambra State Chapter, with the theme “Learning Culture, a Viable Tool for Sustainable Development,” held at Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) Secretariat, Awka.

The keynote speaker, Mr Chiagozie Udorji told the students to imbibe learning culture, discover the potentials in them and apply it to be the best not only in Nigeria, but across the world.

He sited Japan as an example of a country that lost everything during the 2nd World War but because they cultivated the habit of learning and discovery, they are the best among many countries today.

He added that learning culture is not reading culture, rather an environment where continuous learning, growth and improvement are valued and encouraged and advised students to always be curious to explore new ideas knowing that they are not competing with the students in class but across the globe.

Udorji advised them to adopt the learning culture so that it will shape their lives in future considering the economic situation of the country.

In his word, “the world is a global village. With technology, everybody has been interconnected . You will shapen your future and the future of the society when you learn but avoid illegitimate way of success such as cyber crime”.

Transition Committee Chairman, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike, who spoke on the career path for the future, advised them to develop their competences, discover where they should be, and follow the path God has made for them. He said they shouldn’t allow parents or friends influence on their choices of careers, adding that faliure to do that will take them backwards.

Executives Director, WOW Africa, Attorney Amaka Akudinobi, ably represented by a member of the assocation, Gloria Nwafor said that WOW is confidently projecting her voices, building strong families and enabling platforms for the voiceless in society to develop communities and bring specific solutions to their issues.

She also said that the programmes are geared towards eliminating debilitating effects of intrusive cultural restrictions and gender-based discrimination that affect the rights and lives of women and children.

Akudinobi mentioned that WOW Africa entails faith, family, mentorship and community.

South East Coordinator, Ethel Eruchalu said WOW has passion for giving the best for the upcoming generation to direct, educate, counsel and know the challenges they face at home and inculcate moral values in their lives so that they will be agents of change in the society and educate others.

She commended the founder, Chief Mrs Carol Ugochukwu for her efforts in organising programmes for the children and youths, adding that it should be a continuous process for advancement and betterment of the children.

One of the resource persons, Dr Lizzy Osisioma, who taught on ‘Early Marriage Effect on Learning ‘ said that early marriage has a serious effect that can end ones childhood and force the child into adulthood before being ready physically, emotionally, mentally and otherwise, including the possibility of multiple births, psychological issues, feeling inadequate, depression and many others.

Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chairman of the association of person’s living with disabilities, lfeanyi lgwegbe talked about inclusion of persons living with disabilities in everything such as providing accessibility structures in homes and schools, training of teachers with disabilities, equipping schools with necessary materials to help persons with disabilities, making signs language compulsory to schools, introducing topics that are disability related, given persons with disabilities support so that they will help themselves, noting that people should avoid discriminating against them as disablity is not infectious.

Schools that attended the programme among nine schools that were selected are Community Secondary School, Ajalli,New Era Secondary School, Nteje, Community Secondary School, Amawbia, Girls Secondary School, Abagana, St John of God Secondary School, Awka.

Among those that graced the occasion were the Zonal Coordinator, Awka Zone, Ngozi Chukwujekwu, Dame Tessy Udemezue Okoye, among others.