Author and Chief Executive Officer of Savvy Teens Ireland, Susan Hayes Culleton, has urged philanthropic individuals, corporations, and governments at all levels to provide substantial support to charity schools in Nigeria.

This call to action was made during her visit to the KNOSK N100-a-day School in Kuje, Abuja, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by these institutions.

She underscored the critical role that charity schools play in providing education to disadvantaged children, many of whom would otherwise be denied access to quality learning.

Accompanied by Teresa Ryan, wife of the Ambassador of Ireland, Peter Ryan, Culleton praised co-founders of KNOSK N100-a-day school, Kingsley and Irene Bangwell for their groundbreaking work in providing affordable quality education to children from low-income families in Nigeria.

She specifically acknowledged their innovative approach to addressing the challenges of out-of-school children, particularly in Nigeria where 55 per cent of girls and 43 per cent of boys drop out of primary and secondary schools.

According to her, by supporting these schools, governments can help bridge the educational gap and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Culleton stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, private organizations, and individuals to ensure that charity schools receive the necessary resources, infrastructure, and expertise to thrive.

She noted that by working together, stakeholders can help create a more enabling environment for charity schools to deliver on their mission of providing education to those who need it most.

She said Savvy Teens has impacted over 50,000 teenagers around the world.

“What governments need to do is see what really works and build on that. The second thing is to give things to schools that can really make a difference, like you see what’s happening today. Number three is to encourage parents to encourage their own children of what clearly is happening, to enable them to go on and have the opportunities that they want. And then the last thing is, is to build the skills of people to have the jobs of tomorrow,” she said.

She advised students to take their studies seriously, adding that “Education can be really difficult, but it makes a huge difference”.

Following a tour of the school’s facilities, Culleton pledged to leverage her global network to mobilize additional
support for the school.

She also made a personal contribution to the school’s library by donating some of her books.

The Guardian reports that the event also featured dance presentation and poetry, panel discussion. In a delightful display of cross-cultural exchange, the students also treated their guests to a lively presentation of Irish traditions and songs.

In his goodwill message, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, said the government will continue to support the school.

Represented by his wife, Teresa, the diplomat underscored Ireland’s dedication to fostering strong bilateral relationships with Nigeria, particularly in areas like education.

The school founder, Kingsley Bangwell also lauded the Irish government for sponsoring some students in the institution.