The Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC) has announced a ₦5 million grant to support the Rising Hope Girls’ Educational Foundation in establishing digital laboratories in ten underserved communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This initiative aims to bridge the digital gap and improve educational resources for young girls in areas with limited access to technology.

Highlighting the importance of bridging the digital divide for girls, Executive Director of dRPC, Dr Judith-Ann Walker, said that, “At the dRPC, the education of our children is a commitment, and we will continue to invest in it.”

Speaking at the commissioning of a digital lab at a Junior Secondary School in Chikakore, Kubwa, she emphasised the importance of supporting local NGOs that have faced funding shortages due to recent cuts in overseas funding.

Walker, represented by the Director of Partnerships Development and Communication, Hassan Karofi, expressed concern over the impact of USAID funding cuts on local NGOs.

“Last year, when the United States government stopped funding global non-profit organisations through USAID, our organisation was one of the NGOs that lost funding. If we could feel the negative impact, one can only imagine the impact of that loss on smaller indigenous NGOs,” she explained.

Project Director of the Rising Hope Girls’ Education (RHGE), David Ahanor, noted that the digital labs are equipped with computers, whiteboards, and internet modems, serving as hubs for student learning and teacher training.

“These labs are now serving as hubs where students can learn and teachers can explore the creative use of technology,” he added.

“Before we started this project, many schools faced challenges due to limited access to digital resources. But students are now confident about using these tools to enhance their digital rights, and issues of bullying and sexual harassment are now being combated.”

The initiative aims to support 100 girls with grants for school fees, benefiting 20 girls directly in each community school, and has empowered over 150 teachers through training in AI literacy and safe school practices.

“Teachers across Byzhin, Kubwa, and Dutsen-Alhaji are now using AI in pre-lesson modes and leading safe school advocacy to empower their students,” Ahanor pointed out.

Additionally, more than 500 students have received data training, and 400 participants, including parents and youth, have engaged in community open-air campaigns focusing on the critical issues of sexual harassment and bullying in schools.

“Our work has led to strong advocacy on crucial issues such as sexual harassment and bullying in schools. We aim to support our schools, teachers, students, and communities with the tools necessary for a brighter future,” he adds.

Ishaya Dogo, Principal of JSS Chikakore, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a beacon of hope for children in underserved communities.

“To our donors, we are deeply grateful. Your contribution of desktops will help our students learn better, and your scholarship will give our children a brighter future; this is an act of kindness we will never forget,” he said.

Acting Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Alhassan Sule, emphasised the collaborative nature of education, stating, “When it comes to the issues of computer education, there is no compromise. We welcome more NGOs that want to come and contribute to the education of our children.”

The event was attended by representatives from the school’s Parents Teachers Association and local community leaders.