From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Safe the Children International (SCI
Project “Education Cannot Wait” (ECW) intervention has renovated classrooms and latrines in seven schools in Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, thereby improving the learning environment for students.
Speaking at the formal handover ceremony of the renovated property at Sabo Gaya LEA Primary School in Chikun LGA to the community, the Education Officer of the SCI Kaduna office, Favour Iloma, said the renovation is part of ECW’s efforts to support education and hygiene in vulnerable communities.
The renovated school, located in a rural area of Chikun and Igabi LGA, had been in disrepair, with broken classrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited access to clean water.
ECW’s intervention has transformed the school into a safe and conducive learning space, benefiting hundreds of pupils.
Favour Iloma added that her organization is committed to supporting education and hygiene in vulnerable communities.
“This renovation is part of our efforts to ensure that children have access to quality education and a safe learning environment.”
The renovated latrine is equipped with modern facilities, including separate sections for boys and girls, and access to clean water and handwashing stations.
The school has also received educational materials and furniture, creating a conducive learning environment for students.
The renovation has been welcomed by the local community, with parents and teachers expressing gratitude to ECW for its support.
“This renovation has brought joy to our children and hope for a better future,” said a parent.
ECW’s intervention is expected to improve attendance and retention rates, as well as academic performance, in the school.
The organization plans to continue supporting education and hygiene initiatives in Kaduna State when more donors provide the necessary funds.
In his remarks, the Director of Mobilization at the State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBED), Lawal Kabir, urged the community and school management to protect the newly renovated classrooms and latrines.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the facilities to ensure they continue to benefit students.
“I commend SCI and ECW for their efforts in renovating the classrooms and latrines.
I urge the community and school management to take ownership and protect these facilities.”
Lawal Kabir stressed that the renovation is a significant investment in the education and well-being of children, and they must be adequately maintained. He tasked the community and school management with protecting the facilities.
A community leader, Bala Habib, assured Save the Children International that they will take steps to protect the renovation and ensure its sustainability.
The school management has also promised to maintain the facilities and ensure they are used for their intended purpose.
Similarly, Hajiya Nafisat Bello, a Director from the Kaduna State Agency for Mass Education, emphasized that the intervention is expected to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, ensuring the longevity of the renovated facilities.
She also called on the community and school management to develop a maintenance plan for the facilities, ensuring they continue to benefit students for years to come.
By protecting the renovated classrooms and latrines, the community is investing in the future of its children and ensuring they have access to quality education and a safe learning environment.
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