Sani Haruna
Agwada Community in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State has appealed to government authorities and development partners to support its efforts in enrolling out-of-school children and improving access to quality education.
Concerned by the growing number of school-age children not attending school, youths in the community under the umbrella of the Agwada Youths Multipurpose Cooperative Association have launched a self-help initiative to ensure that every child is enrolled in school and given access to both Western and Islamic education.
KNSG Inaugurates Committee to Tackle Out-of-School Children
Speaking to newsmen, the Secretary of the Association, Malam Ashiru Hussaini, said the group decided to take action after realizing that many children in the area, especially those in rural settlements, were missing out on early and basic education.
“We have set up a committee to monitor and ensure that all children of school age are enrolled in school. We are also appealing to government and donor agencies to assist us in achieving our goal,”
The Headmaster of Agwada Primary School, Malam Yahaya Magaji, commended the association’s effort, describing it as timely and community-driven.
He, however, identified key challenges affecting the school, including a shortage of teachers, poor attendance, lack of potable water, and inadequate toilet facilities.
UNICEF Raises Concern Over High Number of Out-of-School Children in Northwest
Malam Magaji appealed to the state government to recruit more qualified teachers and introduce support programs such as school feeding to encourage attendance and retention.
Also speaking, a community leader, Marafa Agwada, said the community had mobilized residents to ensure that their children attend school and had contributed funds to support volunteer teachers.
“We are determined not to be left behind. We appeal to the government, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other NGOs to support us in our effort to provide education for every child in Agwada,” .
Marafa further noted that poor transition from primary to junior secondary school remains a major challenge, calling for the establishment of a junior secondary school within the community to prevent pupils from dropping out after primary education.
The Agwada initiative, according to residents, represents a renewed hope for rural children in Kebbi State, as community members take ownership of efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and promote inclusive education.