Coal City University Partners Blancquake Foundation on Voluntary Blood Donation, Targets Students, University Community

The Vice Chancellor Coal City University, Prof. Afam Icha Ituma Friday, received in audience the leadership of Blancquake Foundation – a non-governmental organisation anchored on giving hope, voice, and dignity to the often-overlooked members of the society — especially children with special needs, girls and women facing menstrual health challenges, and the lifesaving cause of voluntary blood donation.

The visit was led by the founder, Dr. Queen Arinze, Co-founder, Helen Ijeoma Nwachukwu, the Director of the foundation, Dr. Chidiebere Ezeh, and other members of the Board. In his opening speech, the Director, Dr. Eze appreciated the vice chancellor and the university community for their warm welcome and for the opportunity given them to share their vision with the university.

According to the director, Blancquake Foundation is a passion-driven, impact-centered initiative born out of a personal journey and a profound commitment to humanity. Our focus is on giving hope, voice, and dignity to often-overlooked members of our society — especially children with special needs, girls and women facing menstrual health challenges, and the lifesaving cause of voluntary blood donation.

He emphasised that the foundations collaboration with Coal City University is premised on not just for academic excellence the university is known for, but also for its commitment to community impact and student-centered development. “We believe that a collaboration with this university — through student clubs, health outreaches, and awareness campaigns — will multiply our reach and impact. We envision a future where students of CCU will not only gain knowledge but be part of a growing movement of compassionate changemakers through volunteerism, advocacy, and innovation in social impact,” he added.

The core impact areas of the foundation cuts across three major themes – support for special needs children, menstrual hygiene and dignity campaign and blood donation awareness and outreach.

The foundation believe every child, regardless of physical or cognitive differences, deserves access to care, love, and learning. The director provided more insight; “We provide support materials, promote inclusion, and train caregivers and educators to better serve these children. Our sanitary pad initiative — themed “Making the Difference” — targets girls and women in underserved communities, particularly those with special needs.” The foundation “raises awareness, distribute sanitary products, and advocate for dignity, access, and inclusion. Every drop of blood counts. Through creative campaigns and partnerships, we encourage a culture of voluntary blood donation, targeting students, institutions, and community networks.” The director, concluded that; Blancquake do not claim to have all the answers. But we come with open hands, open hearts, and a strong desire to partner. We welcome your guidance, your support, and your collaboration.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, welcomed the foundation to coal city university on behalf of the chancellor and the university community. Prof. Icha Ituma’s appreciated the work the foundation is doing in saving lives especially on addressing fundamental health issues, advocating and creating awareness on the need for voluntary blood donation to save lives in urgent situations. The Vice Chancellor appreciated the foundation for the awareness and advocacy visit to the school last year and expressed satisfaction that Coal City University Staff and students are part of the foundations initiative. “We value the life saving endeavour and we are open to more partnerships,” he said.

It is imperative as well to commend you for complementing the effort of government in providing quality health care.  The VC said, “we support your effort and would encourage our staff and students to get involved in your programmes.”

Highlights of the event was presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Coal City University to the Vice Chancellor, an interactive session with students on issues around special needs, needs for students to know their blood groups and being open to save lives. Others are medals of award to students participants and free anti-malaria drugs to the students