Out-of-School Children Foundation Graduates First Set of 21 Almajiri Trainees in Abuja

The Out-of-School Children/Almajiri-to-Tech Foundation has graduated its first set of 21 Almajiri children after completing a six-month training programme focused on literacy, digital technology and vocational skills.

The graduation and prize-giving ceremony, held on Wednesday in Abuja, marked what the organisers described as a significant step towards equipping vulnerable children with practical skills for self-reliance and economic participation.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of the foundation and Managing Director of New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano, said the initiative was designed to transform out-of-school children and Almajiri pupils from street begging into productive members of society through education and skills acquisition.

According to him, the beneficiaries were drawn from faith-based institutions, including the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Centre and other mosques across different parts of the country.

He noted that many of the children joined the programme without basic literacy skills but have since acquired the ability to read and write, alongside practical training in information and communication technology (ICT).

Akano said the graduates have also received training in computer assembly, robotics, drone technology and electrical appliance repairs.

“Six months ago, some of the 21 children graduating today could not write their names in English. Today they build computers, robots and drones with their own hands. They repair more than 10 types of electrical appliances,” he said.

He called on governments at all levels, development partners, philanthropists and corporate organisations to support efforts aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and Almajiri pupils through education and vocational training.

Akano cited reports indicating that Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, stressing that addressing the challenge would contribute to economic growth, improve human capital development and strengthen national security.

He advocated policies that would expand access to compulsory basic education, strengthen technical and vocational education, support ICT skills development, and create sustainable alternatives to street begging.

The foundation also unveiled a proposed initiative tagged “Vision 2031 – No Child Left on the Street (NCLS),” which seeks to promote inclusive education, skills acquisition and stronger collaboration among government agencies, private organisations and development partners.

Akano urged stakeholders to invest in programmes that provide vulnerable children with opportunities for education and employment, describing such investments as essential for Nigeria’s long-term social and economic development.

The event featured demonstrations by the graduating students, who showcased projects including computer systems, robotics and drone technology developed during the training programme. Organisers said the initiative could be replicated across states to provide more out-of-school children with access to education and employable skills.