CULTURAL DANCE, MUSIC, POETRY AS STELLA MARIS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

 

IN line with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) clamour for a rethink of local languages and culture which is gradually being eroded, foremost educational institution, Stella Maris Schools, Abuja, has shown before parents and all, its commitment to a sustainable Nigerian languages, music, dances, foods and other cultural traditions.

In a series of displays marking the 20th anniversary celebrations of the school which began on Monday, May 23, 2016, colourful traditional attires, fashion accessories, musical instruments  added verve to the tribal performances by pupils of the Life Camp and Area 1 branches of the school in the Federal Capital Territory, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday.

The shows which are in line with the United Nation Millennium Development Goals was a fun moment as it put the parents to a test on their ability to speak their local languages fluently.

There were dances from Igbo, Yoruba and Gbagyi representing the three major ethnic groups while students and parents where dressed in different fabrics representing the best from Nigeria.

The school also ensured that only traditional delicacies were served the guests as part of the cultural promotion.

  

The Academic Adviser, Stella Maris Nursery and Primary school, Mr. James Arlloo who conducted the language fun test for the parents emphasised that the cultural day celebration among other lined up event was to promote indigenous culture such as food, cloths, work of arts among others.

The Managing Director, Stella Maris Schools, Mr. Chukwuemeka Anyaene disclosed plans of the school’s management to likely establish a standard institution of higher learning.

Anyaene said having contributed immensely over the years to the education sector, it became important to consider extending the good work to a university.

“We have actually grown from grass to grace. It’s been 20 years of different challenges, opinions and structure but we thank God today that the school has been upgraded from the way it was when our late mother left to the way it is now.

“So 20 years from now, the school might grow into a higher institution. We are very prudent people and we are a bit conservative. At the moment, we have five schools and one more coming up which will bring us close to about 4, 000 students.”

He added that the school was not into any competition but ‎excellence and discipline.

“We have won several awards as the best school in FCT, and recently third best school in FCT, we have a standing name and we also learn from our competitors. We are not there to win trophies but excellence which ought to thrive through the child’s days in life,” he stated.

In his remark, the Principal, Stella Maris College, Mr Jacob Dawodu said the college started 24th September, 2001 with only 17 children.

He added that the children population comprised 13 in JSS1 and four in JSS2, with about 13 teachers including him.

However, Dawodu who is also the college academic adviser described the school’s growth as product of hardwork and commitment with about 543 students currently in the college.