Plan International Nigeria and GoalPrime Organisation Nigeria (GPON) have unveiled new humanitarian project aimed at returning 8,000 children to school.
The 24-month project, supported by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), will provide quality formal and non-formal education to 8,865 children in Damboa and Kala Balge – two of the areas most affected by the Boko Haram terrorism.
According to the organisations, the project will benefit 8,865 boys and girls (including 1,200 out-of-school children) and 30 volunteer teachers to be trained on Accelerated Basic Education programme.
They added that the project would also focus on improving learning opportunities and protective environment through strengthened formal and non-formal educational services.
“It will support the construction and rehabilitation of temporary learning spaces/classrooms, distribution of menstrual hygiene management/dignity kits, provision of teaching and learning kits, support and training for teachers and strengthen School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs)
“Also, it will help to address protection concerns within formal and non-formal schools, including Tsangaya and Islamiya, as well as strengthen knowledge and capacity to assess the disaster risks, and to develop disaster preparedness plans in the target schools,” the statement added.
The Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, pointed out that the project is a critical step in providing quality education to the children of Borno, many of whom have been out school for a long time, saying the funding would allow them reach thousands more children affected by the North East crisis in the past 13 years.
Country Director, GOALPrime Organisation Nigeria, Dr. Christopher Oguegbu, said based on their experience working in the North East, education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence.
He added: “This project will help to ensure that all children in Borno have the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential. It is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4, which aims at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“It will also contribute to SDG 1, which aims at ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. The new project is also aligned with the ECHO DG HIP priorities and the Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
“One of the project outcomes is expected to improve the children’s access to education, which will help them to develop their skills and knowledge as well as help to create a more protective environment for them and prevent them from being exploited or abused.”
