In a remarkable display of commitment to education and community transformation, Princess MayoleinMacDonald of the Odual Kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria, has launched The Julie Development Initiative (JDI) Fundraiser with a groundbreaking project aimed at reviving the historic Adibom Community Primary School, driving a transformative push for quality education in rural Nigeria while reinforcing the bond between the Odual Kingdom and Aberdeen.
Princess Mayolein, an engineer by training and a farmer by passion, has never been one to stand on the sidelines. Drawing from her contrasting experiences, benefiting from world-class education in Aberdeen while witnessing the stark reality of underfunded schools in her native community, the princess established The Julie Development Initiative. Named in honour of her late mother, Queen Juliana Macdonald Jamala, whose rallying cry was that “the young must learn and grow”, JDI is dedicated to ensuring that quality basic education becomes a reality for the youth in marginalised areas.
At the recent fundraiser held at The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, Trinity Hall, Princess Mayolein gathered 65 distinguished guests, including aristocrats, business leaders and international figures from various industries, to come together to support the revitalisation of Adibom Community Primary School, a historic institution founded in 1916. The event successfully raised funds for essential school supplies, uniforms, and teacher support, reinforcing the princess’s commitment to quality education. More than just an investment in infrastructure, this project is about empowering a generation. Her efforts go beyond classrooms, as she collaborates with local female farmers to sustain school operations and empower the local economy. With the backing of compassionate supporters from Aberdeen and beyond, the initiative is not only breathing new life into the historic school but also fostering a robust, enduring bond between two distinct cultures.
Princess Mayolein’s vision with the Julie Development Initiative is for a future where every child has access to quality education, and it is already turning heads and inspiring communities. By connecting communities across continents, JDI is not only preserving a legacy but also shaping a future where education serves as a foundation for transformation. A highlight of the occasion was the gracious visit of HRH King Temple MacDonald, who honoured Graham Guyan DL, Ronnie Watt OBE, Dr Joe Ochei and Corry Sutherland with special gifts, further cementing the bond between the Odual Kingdom and Aberdeen. The ambitious partnership between Odual and Aberdeen continues to grow, proving that education is a powerful force for strengthening cultural and international ties.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has condemned the attack on women protesters near the under-construction Government House in Ilorin, describing the incident as unacceptable and…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/maison-pepin-s-enchanted-christmas-alley-right-a-woman-and-a-small-dog-pose-and-smile-at-maison-pepin-s-enchanted-christmas-al.jpg?id=54145501&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're already counting down the days until Christmas and are looking for <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/almonte-christmas-village-near-montreal-hallmark-movie">festive places in Montreal</a> to get into the holiday spirit, look no further! <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/old-montreals-christmas-alley-is-coming-back-for-magical-holiday-photo-shoots-this-year">Maison Pépin's holiday alley</a> is back for 2024, and it's set to be as magical as ever.</p><p>Located on Saint-Paul Street West, just a short walk from Place d'Youville, this cozy alley turns into a winter wonderland every year.</p><p>Framed by snow-kissed pine branches, twinkling lights, and festive pinecones, the entrance looks like something straight out of a fairytale. With all of its European allure and cozy charm, it's no surprise that Maison Pépin's alley is one of Montreal's most Instagrammable holiday spots.</p><p>Each year, <a href="https://www.narcity.com/fr/montreal/ruelle-montreal-maison-pepin-noel-magique">Maison Pépin picks a new theme</a> to decorate the alley, and this year, they're channelling the colourful and whimsical world of Wes Anderson. According to Lysanne Pépin, the creative mind behind it all, visitors can expect bright colours and an eclectic atmosphere. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBxaFuEImmw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBxaFuEImmw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>While this magical holiday street feels like you've just stumbled upon a quaint German Christmas market, it's actually easily accessible by Montreal public transit, as it's just a five-minute walk from the Square Victoria-Oaci metro station.</p><p>Maison Pépin is a Quebec-based brand known for its home decor, tableware, and fashion items. If you're just looking to soak in the holiday vibes, you can stop by and explore the alley and its nearby stores without a reservation from Tuesday to Friday. </p><p>Of course, it is likely to be busy, and snapping an uninterrupted photograph of the charming alley might be difficult!</p><p>If you're set on capturing that perfect moment, Maison Pépin offers a holiday photoshoot package on weekends. </p><p>For $250, you get a private session with a pro photographer and a cozy setup complete with cookies, mulled wine, or hot chocolate to keep you warm. The package covers up to five people, and you'll get ten professionally edited photos to remember the day. Extra guests can join for $30 each.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmmUWiyrfqp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmmUWiyrfqp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Maison Pépin also has a full lineup of holiday events planned for the season, and they're even offering options for office holiday parties. So, whether you're planning a special photoshoot, looking to snap some solo shots, or want a festive spot for a group celebration, this little slice of holiday heaven is the place to be.</p><p>So grab your warmest scarf, pick up a hot drink, and get ready to experience one of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-christmas-markets">Montreal's most magical holiday spots</a>.</p><h3>The Maison Pépin holiday alley</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1S5uaoAv4L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1S5uaoAv4L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: From $250 for a private photoshoot, free to visit otherwise</p><p>When: November 16 to December 15, 2024 (photoshoots on Saturdays and Sundays, free visits from Tuesdays to Fridays)</p><p>Address: 369 Saint-Paul St. W., Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Maison Pépin's alley is waiting to bring a little sparkle to your season!</p><p><a href="https://www.thepepinshop.com/products/christmas-private-photo-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maison Pépin website</a></p>
In a remarkable display of commitment to education and community transformation, Princess Mayolein MacDonald of the Odual Kingdom in Rivers State, Nigeria, has launched The Julie Development Initiative (JDI) Fundraiser with a groundbreaking project aimed at reviving the historic Adibom Community Primary School, driving a transformative push for quality education in rural Nigeria while reinforcing the bond between the Odual Kingdom and Aberdeen.
Princess Mayolein, an engineer by training and a farmer by passion, has never been one to stand on the sidelines. Drawing from her contrasting experiences, benefiting from world-class education in Aberdeen while witnessing the stark reality of underfunded schools in her native community, the princess established The Julie Development Initiative. Named in honour of her late mother, Queen Juliana Macdonald Jamala, whose rallying cry was that “the young must learn and grow”, JDI is dedicated to ensuring that quality basic education becomes a reality for the youth in marginalised areas.
At the recent fundraiser held at The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, Trinity Hall, Princess Mayolein gathered 65 distinguished guests, including aristocrats, business leaders and international figures from various industries, to come together to support the revitalisation of Adibom Community Primary School, a historic institution founded in 1916. The event successfully raised funds for essential school supplies, uniforms, and teacher support, reinforcing the princess’s commitment to quality education. More than just an investment in infrastructure, this project is about empowering a generation. Her efforts go beyond classrooms, as she collaborates with local female farmers to sustain school operations and empower the local economy. With the backing of compassionate supporters from Aberdeen and beyond, the initiative is not only breathing new life into the historic school but also fostering a robust, enduring bond between two distinct cultures.
Princess Mayolein’s vision with the Julie Development Initiative is for a future where every child has access to quality education, and it is already turning heads and inspiring communities. By connecting communities across continents, JDI is not only preserving a legacy but also shaping a future where education serves as a foundation for transformation. A highlight of the occasion was the gracious visit of HRH King Temple MacDonald, who honoured Graham Guyan DL, Ronnie Watt OBE, Dr Joe Ochei and Corry Sutherland with special gifts, further cementing the bond between the Odual Kingdom and Aberdeen. The ambitious partnership between Odual and Aberdeen continues to grow, proving that education is a powerful force for strengthening cultural and international ties.
