Plan International Launches Project, To Re-enroll 8,000 Children

Plan International Nigeria and GoalPrime Organization Nigeria (GPON) has announced the launch of a new humanitarian project to improve education for children in Borno, Nigeria.

The 24-month project, which is supported by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection (ECHO), will provide quality formal and non-formal education to 8,865 children in Damboa and Kala Balge, two of the most affected areas by the Boko Haram insurgency.

In a statement in Abuja, the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie says the project will focus on improving learning opportunities and protective environment through strengthened formal and non-formal education services.

According to him, “”The project will support the Construction/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 strengthening of School Based Management Committees.

“”It will also help to address protection concerns within formal and non-formal schools, including Tsangaya and Islamiya as well as strengthening of knowledge and capacity to assess disaster risks, and develop disaster preparedness plans in the target schools”.

“The project is expected to benefit 8,865 girls and boys, including 1,200 out-of-school children, and training of 30 volunteer teachers on the Accelerated Basic Education Programme,” he said.

“This project is a critical step in providing quality education to the children of Borno State, many of whom have been out of school for a long time,” Charles Usie noted.

“We are grateful for the collaboration we received from the Borno government and for ECHO’s support, which will allow us to reach thousands of more children who have been affected by the North East crisis in the past 13 years.”

On his part, the Country Director, GOALPrime Organisation Nigeria, Christopher Chinedumuije Oguegbu said based on his working experience
in the North East of Nigeria, education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence.

“This project will help to ensure that all children in Borno State have the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.”

The new project is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The project will also contribute to SDG 1, which aims to end 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.

PR/Edited By Modupe Aduloju