‘Save Her Future’: Foundation moves beyond awareness to empower schoolgirls and mobilize communities against breast cancer
EKWERAZU, IMO STATE October 28, 2026
When awareness saves lives, silence must give way to knowledge. And when that knowledge reaches the girl child early enough, it becomes an investment in the future of families, communities and generations yet unborn.
That was the powerful message that resonated as Amaraya Foundation executed a two-part breast cancer awareness intervention moving from a global virtual conversation on hope and survivorship to a practical, school-based campaign that placed the girl child at the heart of the fight.
In just two days, the Foundation demonstrated that advocacy is most powerful when it leaves the screen and touches lives where they live, learn and dream.
FROM HOPE ON SCREEN TO HOPE IN SCHOOL
On Monday, October 26, 2026, the Foundation convened a virtual international webinar themed: “Breast Cancer Is Not a Death Sentence: The Power of Hope, Treatment and Survivorship.”
The session brought together leading voices: Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ, President of PACTPAN Nigeria; Sr. Roseline Uvieghara, OLA, who moderated the engagement; and MLS Ugboaja Kosi, a breast cancer survivor and global advocate.
It was an emotional encounter with truth. The survivor’s testimony shattered the myth that a diagnosis equals death. The experts emphasized early detection, prompt and appropriate treatment, adherence to care, follow-up, and the healing power of emotional support. The core message was simple but life-saving: Breast cancer is not the end. With knowledge and timely care, there is hope beyond diagnosis.
Two days later, that hope was taken from the global conversation to the grassroots.
SAVE HER FUTURE’ — THE MESSAGE COMES TO EKWERAZU
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the quiet community of Ekwerazu in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA came alive as Amaraya Foundation brought its campaign to *Girls’ Secondary School, Ekwerazu.
Themed: “Save Her Future: The Girl Child, Cancer Awareness and the Responsibility of Every Community,”the outreach was not just an awareness talk — it was a declaration that every girl deserves knowledge, confidence, care and the chance to protect her own future.
The event began at 10:00 a.m. with opening prayers led by Rev. Fr. Dr. George Ozukwe, the School Manager, followed by soulful renditions of the school anthem, the Nigerian National Anthem and the Amaraya Foundation anthem.
The hall was filled with hope — community leaders, education stakeholders, health advocates, teachers, members of Amaraya Foundation, community women and hundreds of eager schoolgirls.
Dignitaries present included Hon. Doris Tony Anyanwu, Hon. Callistus Onuoha, Engr. Frank Ukanwa, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Ozukwe, Rev. Sr. Onye Anu, the School Principal, Mrs. Paschaline Egbukichi, Coordinator of Outreach and Medical Services and representative of the Foundation’s President, Sr. Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ, Mrs. Chinyere Agwara, Nwankwo Ekene Gabriel and other distinguished guests.
After a warm welcome address and a beautiful welcome song by the students, the President of Amaraya Foundation, Dist. High Chief Amarachi Kingsley Ogu, Ugwu Mbaise I, Aririerimba I of Lude, ably represented by Lady Paschaline Egbukichi, delivered the presidential address — reaffirming the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to health, dignity and community development.
KNOWLEDGE THAT BREAKS FEAR
The central teaching session, facilitated by Sr. Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ, President of Akumi4Christ Global Care Foundation, was both practical and deeply touching.
With gentle demonstrations, she taught the girls breast awareness, how to recognize unusual changes, and why no change should be hidden in shame or fear. It was no longer a distant medical topic — it became personal, understandable and empowering.
The interactive question-and-answer session that followed broke every barrier. Girls who had been shy at first raised their hands, asked questions, laughed, learned and left with confidence. A sensitive health issue became a conversation of love, care and self-worth.
While breast cancer is much less common in adolescents, the Foundation stressed that age-appropriate education builds lifelong awareness — giving young women the courage to seek medical attention early and to support others around them.
NOT A WOMAN’S BURDEN ALONE
One message echoed throughout the day: Fighting breast cancer is not a woman’s burden alone. It is a collective responsibility.
Families must listen. Schools must teach. Communities must support. Leaders must act.
Hon. Doris Tony Anyanwu reinforced this with words of motherly advice to the students, while Rev. Fr. Dr. George Ozukwe, on behalf of the school, expressed profound appreciation to Amaraya Foundation for choosing their girls and giving them a gift that will outlive the day knowledge.
The day ended in joy and colour — with refreshments and captivating awareness dance presentations by different classes, blending education with celebration, health with hope. The programme closed with prayers and dismissal at about 2:00 p.m., but the impact will linger far longer.
WHEN KNOWLEDGE BECOMES ACTION
What makes these two campaigns remarkable is not just their themes, but their connection.
The first campaign gave hope to those already fighting breast cancer. The second gave knowledge to those who will shape the future, ensuring that fear and misinformation do not rob another generation.
This is advocacy with meaning — advocacy that informs, embraces, teaches and transforms.
Amaraya Foundation continues to stand tall as a beacon of compassion, education, health advocacy and community development —creating platforms where knowledge inspires action and where compassion becomes service.
The Foundation extends heartfelt appreciation to the management and students of Girls’ Secondary School, Ekwerazu, all invited dignitaries, resource persons, teachers, community women and everyone who made the day a success.
The message is urgent. It is hopeful. It is for all of us:
Let us replace silence with knowledge, fear with informed action, and indifference with support. Let us save her future.
Amaraya Foundation Empowering Lives, Strengthening Communities, Creating Lasting Impact.
@Amaraya Media