Project100 Spreads Joy in Zhidu: 30 Pupils Win Scholarships, Dozens Receive Shoes and School Supplies in Inspiring Back-to-School Drive
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In a touching display of humanity and service, Project100—a humanitarian initiative founded by Shetu Gamaliel, widely known as Chef Mimi—once again brought hope to the children of Zhidu Primary School, a remote community tucked along Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja. The outreach, themed Back-to-School Program/BlessedFeet Campaign, took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to ensuring access to education for vulnerable children and rekindling the spirit of community development.
The event represented the second phase of Project100’s 2025 community intervention program, following its successful May edition. This October outreach centered on providing scholarships, footwear, and essential school supplies to children whose parents struggle to afford basic education. By the end of the day, over 150 pupils had benefited from the impactful exercise, which radiated joy, compassion, and collective purpose.
Arriving at Zhidu Primary School around 10:30 a.m., the Project100 team immediately began organizing logistics, verifying beneficiaries, and completing school fee payments for 30 selected scholarship pupils ranging from Nursery to Primary Six. Despite the rough terrain and harsh weather, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement and hope. 
The program commenced with the National Anthem and Pledge, followed by goodwill messages from the Vice Principal, the Community Youth Leader, and the school’s Principal, who all expressed heartfelt gratitude for the organization’s consistency and compassion in reaching underserved communities.
Addressing the gathering, Project Director Gabriel Olowookere introduced Project100’s vision of transforming society through education and social empowerment. He urged the pupils to “dream big, stay disciplined, and take their studies seriously,” reminding them that education remains the surest path to aaa their future. His message resonated deeply with the children, whose bright faces reflected inspiration and renewed resolve.
Motivational sessions led by senior Project100 representatives, Jummai Gundiri and Florence Oyelade, added vibrancy to the event. Through interactive talks, they encouraged pupils to share their dreams, favorite subjects, and future aspirations—eliciting laughter, cheers, and enthusiastic participation. Those who responded correctly to questions received small prizes, reinforcing the value of curiosity and courage in learning.
The most emotional highlight of the day came as the scholarship recipients were called out one after another. Each pupil stepped forward proudly to receive a full educational package comprising a new school bag, BlessedFeet school shoes, white socks, writing materials, multiple exercise books, and a Continuous Assessment textbook. Their school fees for the term were also fully covered. The moment was pure joy—many of the children beamed from ear to ear as teachers, parents, and volunteers watched with pride.
A particularly moving scene unfolded when ten barefoot children were gifted brand-new pairs of shoes and socks, a gesture that drew tears from both teachers and volunteers. The occasion also featured a lively cultural dance performed by the pupils, drawing cheers from the audience and underscoring the community’s unity and gratitude. 
Under the scorching sun and amid limited facilities, the Project100 team ensured that every child was attended to. By 1:20 p.m., the event drew to a close with spontaneous songs of appreciation from the pupils, whose voices echoed with genuine joy and gratitude.
Post-event data showed that a total of 156 pupils were reached during the outreach. Thirty received full scholarships, while 40 pairs of shoes and socks, 40 school bags, over 250 exercise books, and 30 Continuous Assessment textbooks were distributed, along with numerous writing materials. The initiative not only addressed immediate educational needs but also strengthened the bond between Project100 and the Zhidu community.
Local leaders hailed the project as “a beacon of hope for poor families,” commending the organization’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian service. However, the team noted critical challenges facing Zhidu Primary School, including inadequate furniture, lack of electricity, and poor ventilation in classrooms—issues that hinder effective learning. The group recommended targeted future interventions to improve infrastructure and introduce volunteer teaching programs to enhance academic outcomes.
Looking ahead, Project100 plans to expand its Back-to-School initiative to include empowerment programs for parents and guardians through vocational training and small business support. The organization also aims to deepen partnerships and extend the BlessedFeet Campaign to more communities before the end of 2025, alongside the production of a media documentary showcasing its success stories.
For Project100, the Zhidu outreach was far more than a charitable gesture—it was a reaffirmation of faith in education as a catalyst for transformation. “We are leaving lasting footprints of hope, one child at a time,” the team’s report concluded.
As the sun dipped over Zhidu that Tuesday evening, the sight of children proudly holding their new books, bags, and shoes served as a powerful reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can light the path toward a brighter future.
