Foundation Plans Health Insurance for Teachers in Underserved Communities

The Regalo Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation, is calling for partnerships to provide health insurance coverage for teachers in underserved communities across Nigeria.

Dr. Chinenye Onuorah, Founder and Project Director of the foundation, disclosed this in on Monday in Lagos. She explained that the initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on teachers, improve their health outcomes, promote overall well-being, and enhance job satisfaction.

“Most teachers in low-tuition schools cannot afford medical consultations or buy essential drugs due to poor salaries,” Onuorah said. “This support will enable teachers to teach more effectively since their health needs will be covered. They will then focus on providing quality education and ultimately empower future generations.”

Dr. Onuorah emphasised the need for collaboration with public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations, and religious bodies to support the initiative.

“Through this partnership, teachers will gain access to health insurance and mental health resources, allowing educators to focus on shaping young minds,” she added.

She also revealed that the foundation, through the Regalo Support Fund, has paid rent for 11 teachers facing eviction, highlighting the financial challenges confronting many educators.

On addressing out-of-school children, Onuorah said the foundation has enrolled 735 children from low-income homes, including those who dropped out due to financial constraints.

“We have also assisted scholarship recipients who could not afford contingency fees for travel,” she said.

The foundation supports women in underserved communities by providing petty cash to start small businesses such as selling akara, vegetables, and corn. Some women have also been empowered to run Point of Sale (POS) businesses and sell carbonated drinks and recharge cards.