Insecurity: SCI graduates 352 out-of-school children

…Donates learning materials to pupils in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

A Non Governmental Organization, Save the Children International (SCI), has commissioned a newly constructed a Temporary Learning Centre and donated learning materials to pupils of RCM Primary School, Jato-Aka, and Injorsha, in Kwande Local Government Area, LGA of Benue State.

The gesture was part of the activities marking the graduation ceremony of learners under the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). The event which was held at RCM Primary School, Jato-Aka, convened government officials, development partners, school authorities, parents, traditional and beneficiaries.

Speaking on the project, the Education Officer of Save the Children International for Benue State, Mr Simon Vihi, said the Accelerated Learning Programme was part of the GPE-funded intervention implemented across five states of Benue, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Taraba and Adamawa.

“We are gathered here to officially commemorate the graduation of Accelerated Learning Program graduands. Out-of-school children were mapped and enrolled in a non-formal program where they were prepared for a period of six months, sometimes nine, depending on their ability to cope. The essence is to prepare and mainstream them back into the formal schools,” he said.

Vihi praised the commitment and involvement of the state government through the Education commissioner. While handing over learning kits to the newly enrolled pupils, Vihi said, “we procured learning kits so that once they start school; they will be able to learn effectively. We have distributed the kits and issued certificates. They are now fully certified to continue in the regular school setting.”

Vihi confirmed that the Temporary Learning Centre commissioned at the event was constructed by Save the Children International.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Mrs Margaret Adamu, who chairs the state’s technical committee of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) project, performed the commissioning.

Adamu said the intervention was designed to support children who had lost access to school as a result of displacement, crises or other vulnerabilities. “We are here in Jato-Aka to witness the graduation of the Accelerated Learning Program learners, who are graduated and being certified. They are mainstreamed into the formal education so that they can access reputable education and enjoy all that it takes; good livelihoods and other benefits”, she said