Renovation Completed at Model Primary School, Ndinwali: A Testament to Music, Solidarity, and Shared Humanity

The RACE Foundation (Rural Assist & Child Educare) is delighted to announce the successful completion and handover of the renovation of Model Primary School, Ndinwali, Igbeagu Izzi LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

This milestone project was made possible through the generous support of the Kirchenchor Heiligkreuzsteinach, whose fundraising initiative — Aktion: 5. Nacht der Kreizstonischen Kirchenmusik vom 19.07.2025 — demonstrated once again how music can inspire meaningful change across borders.

From Church Music in Germany to Classrooms in Nigeria

During the 5th Night of Kreizstonic Church Music held on July 19, 2025, in Heiligkreuzsteinach, half of the donations realized after expenses were shared between the political community of Heiligkreuzsteinach and the RACE Foundation.

With the €1,200 donation received, the Foundation commenced renovation work at Model Primary School, Ndinwali — a school serving 248 pupils in a rural community that has long struggled with dilapidated infrastructure.

Scope of the Renovation Work

The renovation project focused on securing and improving two classroom blocks to provide a safer and more conducive learning environment. The work carried out included:

• Block molding and structural laying
• Installation of 16 steel windows
• Installation of 8 steel doors
• Plastering of classroom walls
• Painting of the renovated structures
• Purchase and installation of 7 modern whiteboards

Previously, the classrooms had no doors or windows, exposing learning materials and furniture to harsh weather conditions. Teachers had been using plastered walls as makeshift writing boards.

With the installation of proper doors and windows, the classrooms are now secure. The introduction of whiteboards marks a significant upgrade in the learning experience for both teachers and pupils.

Careful Decision-Making for Maximum Impact

Upon receiving the donation, the Foundation faced a critical decision:

• Either raise the height of the two classroom blocks and reroof them to improve ventilation and reduce heat,
  or
• Carry out standard renovations to secure the existing structure and protect learning materials, including previously donated classroom seats.

After consultations with the local community, it was agreed that reroofing would require far more funding than was available. The Foundation therefore chose to prioritize securing and renovating the existing structure, ensuring immediate protection and usability while planning for future expansion when additional funds become available.

Furthermore, as costs progressed, the Foundation stepped in to complete the final stages of the renovation — particularly the painting and procurement/installation of the whiteboards — ensuring that the project was fully completed.

A Transformational Change for the School

It will be recalled that in January 2025, the RACE Foundation had earlier provided 50 classroom seats, each accommodating three pupils, to mitigate the severe seating shortage in the school.

However, due to the unsecured nature of the classrooms, some of the seats were damaged by rainwater entering through open spaces where doors and windows were absent.

Before renovation, the classrooms were described by community members as resembling “old abattoirs.” Today, the school wears a new look — safer, brighter, and more dignified.

While much still remains to be done, this renovation represents a huge relief and a significant step forward for the pupils and the entire Ndinwali community.

Official Handover Ceremony

During the formal handover ceremony, the RACE Foundation was represented by Mrs. Joy Nwizi, who expressed profound gratitude to the Kirchenchor Heiligkreuzsteinach for their magnanimity.

She assured the community that the €1,200 donation was judiciously utilized until fully expended and emphasized that the Foundation supplemented resources to ensure successful completion of the project.

Mrs. Nwizi encouraged the pupils to remember the donors in their prayers and urged the community to safeguard the renovated facilities. She stressed the importance of vigilance to prevent vandalism and ensure that the work done continues to benefit future generations.

Present at the ceremony were:

• The Village Head, Chief Ndubisi Elijah Ogodo
• The Village Chairman, Chief Peter Nkwuda
• Representatives of the school community

Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Ogodo expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable transformation of the school. He requested that the Foundation convey their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Heiligkreuzsteinach and thanked Dr. Felix Uche Akam, describing him as “God-sent” to the community. He also pledged that the community would secure and protect the facility for the benefit of the pupils.

A Continuing Story of Hope

This project stands as another powerful example of how compassion travels beyond borders — from a night of sacred music in Germany to renewed hope in rural Nigeria.

Though more improvements are still needed — including raising the building structure in the future to improve ventilation and reduce heat — this renovation has restored dignity, safety, and renewed motivation for 248 young learners.

The RACE Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to the Kirchenchor Heiligkreuzsteinach and the entire community of Heiligkreuzsteinach for turning generosity into tangible change.

Together, we continue building hope — one classroom at a time.

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https://youtu.be/pxF6KdVu8sc?feature=shared

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