Sani Dutsinma
A private learning centre established by a retired civil servant in Kebbi State to complement federal and state government efforts at improving access to foundational education for Almajiri and out-of-school children is facing serious operational challenges.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent in Birnin Kebbi, Sani Haruna Dutsinma, reports that the founder of the centre has appealed to governments and donor agencies for urgent support to sustain its activities.
The Proprietor of the centre, Comrade Shehu Umar, said the initiative was established in 2002 as a non-governmental, non-political, non-profit-making, but charitable and humanitarian civil society organisation, duly registered with relevant authorities.
He explained that the centre was created to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of Almajiri children and other vulnerable groups, with the aim of eliminating street begging, empowering learners with vocational skills, and providing basic healthcare services.
According to him, the centre operates under two models: one that supports existing Almajiri schools with structured literacy and numeracy classes, and another that caters exclusively for out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum.
Comrade Umar added that beyond basic education, the centre provides intensive training that combines religious instruction with employable skills to prepare beneficiaries for self-reliance.
He said the training covers Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic recitation, as well as vocational skills such as tailoring, fashion design, GSM and computer repairs, shoe making, leatherwork, and Naga making, among others.
The proprietor disclosed that he personally provides daily lunch for trainees from his home to enable them to focus on their studies and discourage street begging.
He, however, noted that the centre is constrained by challenges including inadequate feeding support, lack of instructional materials, and the absence of a permanent site.
Comrade Umar appealed to governments at all levels and donor agencies to support the centre in addressing these challenges to ensure its sustainability.
Some volunteer teachers at the centre also shared their experiences with Radio Nigeria, calling for increased support to enhance teaching and learning.
Similarly, some learners expressed appreciation for the knowledge and skills they are acquiring, describing the centre as life-changing.
The centre also conducts sensitisation programmes for parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and children on the dangers of leaving the Almajiri system unregulated, and the importance of enrolling children in formal education.
Radio Nigeria