Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, has launched an education support scheme targeting 1,500 out-of-school children across the state.

The scheme is being implemented by the Gwagware Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded by the state governor.

Dubbed the “Back to School Programme,” the scheme provides assistance to beneficiaries, including school uniforms, writing materials, and monetary support to mothers for establishing small-scale businesses to sustain their children’s education.

Speaking during the launch of the scheme on Sunday at the foundation’s headquarters, Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing educational challenges and supporting vulnerable members of society.

He stressed the importance of philanthropy in educational and societal development, adding, “It has become imperative for all able personalities to sacrifice part of their wealth in supporting the needy. This is the surest way that would save our society from calamities, as Almighty Allah accepts all sacrifices made for His sake.”

The governor assured that the foundation would continue its humanitarian services, supporting orphans, vulnerable individuals, and the elderly across the state.

Chairman of Gwagware Foundation, Yusuf Ali, said the organisation carries out its humanitarian activities with donations collected from individuals and corporate organisations.

Musawa said the foundation’s efforts extend beyond education, encompassing empowerment support for women and youth to establish various businesses.

He said as an innovative approach to sustainable development, each benefiting child would receive three economic tree seedlings to plant, and that the seedlings are aimed at generating future income and addressing environmental challenges simultaneously.

The state Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, announced the donation of 10,000 school bags containing uniforms, exercise books, and hijabs for the benefiting girls.

In addition, the state Coordinator of ACreSal, Haliru Mohamed, pledged the donation of additional economic tree seedlings for all participating children.

In his part, the Executive Chairman of the state Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Kabir Magaji, said the foundation’s gesture would encourage and retain the children to pursue their education, even as he reiterated the board’s commitment to support such ventures.