By Save the Children International has flagged off the distribution of educational kits to 1,052 marginalised and vulnerable out-of-school children across nine communities in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, in a renewed push to improve access to basic education.
The intervention, which targets children previously deprived of formal learning opportunities, is part of an accelerated learning programme aimed at promoting inclusive and quality education in underserved communities.
Representing the Adamawa State Commissioner for Education, Garba Pella, at the event, Bappa Mohammed commended the organisation for its sustained commitment to supporting vulnerable children. He described the initiative as timely and crucial, especially in addressing the rising number of out-of-school children in the state.
Mohammed called on parents and community leaders to take ownership of the programme by ensuring that beneficiaries participate fully. He stressed that community involvement remains key to the sustainability and long-term success of educational interventions.
Earlier, Maryam Birdling, a representative of Save the Children International, explained that the programme is designed to expand access to quality and inclusive basic education for vulnerable children. She noted that 1,052 learners drawn from nine communities in Yola South LGA are benefiting from the initiative.
The benefiting communities include Yelwa, Wurocheki, A Namtari, Damare, TC Demonstration, Wurojabbe, Walowol Gugu, Wuroyanka, and Ngurore Central.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Mai Unguwa, Shuaibu Ali, expressed gratitude to the organisation and its partners for bringing the intervention to the area. He observed that the initiative has already sparked renewed interest in education, with some children voluntarily joining the learning groups.
However, he identified insecurity as a major challenge affecting the communities, noting that incidents of harassment involving both learners and teachers threaten consistent school attendance and effective teaching.
He appealed to government authorities to intensify efforts to improve security and create a safer environment conducive to learning.
The distribution of the educational kits is expected to ease the financial burden on vulnerable families while strengthening ongoing efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Adamawa State.
