Mohammed Shosanya
For Mainstream Foundation, the humanitarian arm of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), seven years of its creation represents a period of stocktaking of its value addition in its key intervention areas of health, education, environment and community empowerment.
The Foundation has remained true to the intent and philosophy of its drivers and was clear from inception on how it will distinctively impact positively on lives without consideration for profit.
Funded by 1% of MESL’s gross revenue, the Foundation has continued to make a profound impact through its interventions that have elevated human value in MESL’s host communities.
This is why on their 7th anniversary,the Foundation can proudly highlight its achievements which further emphasize an uncommon vision to conquer the humanitarian space through consistent value addition.
To provide context to its achievements so far, since its inception in 2016, Mainstream Foundation has executed intervention projects in 71 schools across its catchment area.
Besides,schools that have experienced neglect and a poor maintenance culture of subsequent governments have enjoyed comprehensive overhauls with the construction of a total of 317 classrooms which have also been furnished with over 10,603 desks and chairs.
In a practical demonstration of its commitment to the well-being of people groups and focusing on health, the Foundation has also constructed and equipped 10 community health centres and 13 clinics in the 7 years of its existence.
Furthermore,the Foundation has successfully carried out 26 medical outreaches in which it examined 15,773 patients by qualified doctors in various fields of specialization.
It also executed 409 vesicovaginal fistula surgeries, 976 cataract surgeries and 214 general surgeries after which it collaborated with the Raise Foundation in life-changing surgeries.
Mainstream Foundation in 7 years has also distributed 2012 eyeglasses and free medication to residents of beneficiary communities. 300 boreholes have been delivered thereby providing potable water to over 800 communities.
Pursuant to its drive for robust community empowerment,Mainstream Foundation, established 7 rice, 3 garri and 1 groundnut processing mill thereby adding economic value and convenience to the subsistent farmers who benefit from the use of these investments.
The Foundation also procured,installed and energized 88 power transformers enabling electricity supply to various households and SMEs.
In the area of capacity building, the Foundation has trained 40 individuals in catering through its collaboration with R & B Kitchen-a catering business situated in Abuja. 60 individuals received training in fisheries and poultry at the Federal College of Education in Kontagora, while 63 candidates were sponsored to the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NAPTIN.
The Foundation has also facilitated the training of 100 beneficiaries at the Skills Upgrade and Vocational Centre in Kaduna, where starter packs and grants were donated to graduates.
With respect to the environment, Mainstream Foundation has constructed 12 major culverts and 7 bridges enhancing interconnectivity between neighbouring communities and impacting positively on trade.
The Foundation has also planted over 20,000 economic trees in various communities, thus contributing its quota towards combatting deforestation, climate change and the economic empowerment of the communities.
Beneficiaries of the Foundation’s gesture have continued to show their appreciation over the immense changes that their communities have enjoyed over the years.
As expressed by one of the beneficiaries of portable water in Fanga village of Niger state, “I thought they were just empty promises when they talked about drilling us a borehole. But they came back and actually did it.”
Another beneficiary,one Yakubu Mohammed also wrote: “We, the youths association surely testify of such development. It is not mere political propaganda, they (Mainstream) are real. We are surprised with wonders. All our requests are being fulfilled that we are even shy to request for more.
“We also thought it was our constitutional right, but we lived with the Federal Government NEPA or PHCN for over 30 years now, but none like these. We conclude and say it is a privilege from God to the community”
Federal Ministries,National Hospital,State and local governments,as well as private concerns in the country have benefitted immensely from the Foundation’s humanitarianism since its birth.
They poured out their hearts in an appreciation letters obtained by Premium News,wherein they also commended the Foundation for living up to its set objectives and appreciably intervening in areas that have given improved meaning to life.
Having facilitated the aforementioned interventions in its various focal areas to the tune of over 7.1 billion naira, the Foundation is not resting on its oars in positively impacting lives and building a strong heritage of service and value.
Their mantra, “we will do more” is a strong indication of the many more interventions ahead of them and unquenchable appetite to serve humanity.