A CASE FOR PHILANTHROPIC ASSISTANCE: COMPLETING THE GIRL’S HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING IN UMUNYA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Background
Girl’s High School Umunya is an essential institution in Anambra State, Nigeria, providing Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) education to around 500 young girls. Despite its significance, the school faces critical challenges. Nearly a decade ago, it was relocated to an uncompleted building, a structure that remains unfinished and has been neglected since. Due to insufficient roofing and waterproofing, classrooms flood during rains, forcing students to scoop water from their learning spaces. The building’s deterioration has created a learning environment that is both unsafe and unhygienic, threatening the well-being and academic success of these young students. While the authorities are aware, they lack the resources to address the situation, leaving the school community in urgent need of outside support. The Importance of a Safe Learning Environment For these students, Girl’s High School Umunya represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future. However, the current conditions — with cracked ceilings, soaked decking, and insufficient drainage — hinder these goals and compromise their health and safety. A stable, comfortable learning environment is fundamental to students’ engagement, morale, and development, particularly for young girls who face additional barriers to quality education. By addressing these structural deficiencies, we can provide a secure environment that enables these students to focus on their education, nurturing their aspirations and fostering their potential. The Bastion Foundation’s Vision for Change As part of its 2025 project outlay, Bastion Foundation, Inc., based in Nashville, TN, is committed to supporting Girl’s High School Umunya by completing and restoring the building. Our goal is to create a safe, inspiring environment that will allow these 500 young students to pursue their education without the burden of physical obstacles or health risks. The project aims to bring quality and hope back into their educational experience, enabling the school to fulfill its mission of shaping Nigeria’s next generation of empowered women. Call to Philanthropists for Support To realize this vision, Bastion Foundation is reaching out to philanthropists, foundations, and charitable organizations dedicated to impactful change. With your assistance, we can: 1. Complete the Structural Repairs: Secure and waterproof the decking, roofing, and other structural components to protect classrooms from flooding and deterioration. 2. Equip Classrooms and Learning Spaces: Provide desks, chairs, and essential learning materials, creating an environment that supports academic engagement and growth. 3. Install Proper Drainage and Waterproofing Systems: Implement solutions to manage rainfall and prevent future flooding, ensuring classrooms remain safe, dry, and conducive to learning. A Legacy of Lasting Impact This project is more than just an infrastructure improvement; it is an investment in the lives of 500 young women and the broader community. By supporting the completion of Girl’s High School Umunya, you can help provide a foundation for quality education that will empower these students to overcome barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute to society. Your contribution will leave a lasting legacy of hope, resilience, and opportunity for these students and for generations to come. Conclusion At Bastion Foundation, we believe that education transforms lives and communities. We invite philanthropists and organizations to join us in making a profound impact at Girl’s High School Umunya. Together, we can restore this institution, bring hope back to these students, and create a safe and nurturing environment where quality education can flourish. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students and in the future of our global community. Below are video clips of the condition of the school. To help, please call/text 615 830 5591 of email bastion@bastionfoundation.org or bastioninc@comcast.netHere is the pitiable condition of the classrooms. When it rains, the condition is unimaginable.
