NGOs Assist Flood-hit Borno Children to Resume Studies

 

By: Fa'iza Jibrin

The recent floods in Borno State have impacted education, forcing many schools to close and shelter displaced families. 

Students across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Areas face significant disruptions to their academic progress due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In an interview with our reporter, Fatima Isa, a primary 3 student at Gwange 3 Primary School, expressed deep sadness over her school's closure, now used as a refuge for flood victims. 

'I am sad that my school is closed, while some of my classmates are attending classes,' she said. 

Fatima lost her uniforms, books, and sandals in the flood, complicating her return to education.

Usman muhammad, another affected student, decried the situation in his occupied school. 

'This has caused delays in my academic progress, and I lost my school materials in the flood,' he said.

Some students, like Musa, have adapted to the challenges. Despite losing school materials, Musa hopes to return to school soon. 

'I'm sad, but I'm making shoes to support my family,' he said.

Adamu Zakariya, a tailor and a father of four,  called on the government to provide educational materials, such as uniforms and books, to enable students to return to school. 

'As a father, I'm unhappy seeing my children at home while their mates are in school,' he said. 

Zakariya praised the government's efforts to shelter displaced persons in schools and ensure education continues but wished classes will resume soon.


NGOs step in with support

In response to the educational challenges, two NGOs, the Center for Advocacy, Transparency & Accountability Initiative (CATAI) and Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD), have donated N10,000,020 to the Borno State Government to purchase school uniforms for flood-affected children in Jere and Maiduguri.

Abubakar Sadiq Muazu, CATAI's Executive Director, led the delegation, expressing condolences for lives and properties lost. 

'As part of the Education in Emergency (EiE) Sector Group, we prioritize access to quality education and safe learning for all school-aged children,' Muazu said.

Benjamin John, CASFOD's Executive Director, reinforced the need for a government mechanism to safeguard schools post-disaster. 

He assured continued support from the EiE sector group and ministry of education.


Government response

Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commissioner of education thanked the NGOs and acknowledged the destruction's magnitude. 

'Floods damaged schools in Abbaganaram, Goni Kachallahari, Old Maiduguri, and Gomboru, leaving children without uniforms or materials,' Wakilbe said.

Wakilbe assured that repairs would be completed quickly, allowing children to return to classrooms. 

He praised CATAI and CASFOD's timely intervention, noting the donation would provide school uniforms and sandals for affected schools.


School assessment

Our reporter confirmed that Gwange 1, 2, 3, and 4 Primary Schools are cleared for resumption, while Kulo Gumna Primary School requires renovations. 

The CATAI and CASFOD donations will alleviate financial burdens on parents and promote school enrollment.

This intervention provides critical support for affected children, helping them return to their studies.

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