In the heart of Rummawa, a close-knit community in Kano State, Nigeria, stands a small school – Rummawa Primary School. This unassuming institution, home to over 600 eager students, has a unique nickname in the local tongue: “Makarantar Kara,” which translates to “School under the Sky.” Why such a name? Because, unfortunately, the students here have been learning the hard way – sitting on the bare ground.
Let’s rewind a bit. The school was established in 2017 by the community itself, driven by the dire need for primary education facilities in the area. However, as time passed, the Kano State government stepped in to take over the school’s management. While this was a positive move, there was one significant hiccup – the construction of a proper school building was never completed.
A Chance to Make a Difference
In 2020, FLO Foundation took notice of this educational oasis in need of nurturing. We conducted a one-week needs assessment from July 12th to July 17th, during which we witnessed the struggles of these young learners firsthand. They desperately needed shelter from the scorching sun and the discomfort of sitting on the ground.
Our goal was clear – we wanted to build a shelter for Rummawa Primary School. Little did we know that the journey ahead would be both challenging and heartwarming.
Getting Started
The initial steps involved engaging with the school’s leadership. We proposed the idea of constructing a shelter, and their response was overwhelming. The students and staff had been facing tremendous challenges due to the lack of a proper school building, and our offer was a ray of hope.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. We soon learned that the land used by the school wasn’t owned by either the community or the government. This led us to a crucial decision – we needed the landowner’s permission before proceeding.
On the Ground
With determination, we embarked on a survey of the school’s plot. What we found was heart-wrenching – scattered stones on the ground that the students used as makeshift seats to keep their uniforms clean. It was evident that they needed proper seating. So, we decided to construct a shelter covering an area of 8 by 25 meters, providing shade for seven classrooms and an office. This shelter would make a significant difference in their daily lives.
Challenges Faced
Our journey was not without its share of challenges. The most significant setback was the landowner’s disapproval, a surprising turn of events that took us by surprise. We were advised not to push the issue, as land matters are highly sensitive. Additionally, we had to navigate budget constraints and repeatedly review the Bill of Quantity (BOQ) to align it with our available funds.
Lessons Learned
Our experience with the Rummawa Pri. Sch. Shelter Project taught us valuable lessons. The most important one was the importance of obtaining all necessary approvals from stakeholders before initiating a project. This ensures a smoother process and minimizes time wasted.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the challenges, our journey with Rummawa Primary School has been nothing short of inspiring. While our initial plans to construct a shelter were thwarted, we found solace in providing mats to improve the students’ learning environment.
At FLO Foundation, we remain dedicated to our mission of promoting child education in low-income communities across Nigeria. Our work at Rummawa Primary School is a testament to the resilience of communities and the transformative power of collective effort. We believe that education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities, and we will continue to strive for a brighter future for all.
