The Situation 

             Nigeria’s population growth has placed enormous pressure on the country’s resources, public services and infrastructure. Children under 15 years occupy 45% of the 171million population hence the incessant burden on education has become overwhelming. According to a 2016 data analysis by the United Nations International Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world with a whopping number of 13.2 million children. UNICEF estimates that 60% of Nigerian children not attending school live in the north of the country.

             Many factors contribute to this problem, among which is the lack of schools in some rural communities. Many rural areas in Nigeria don’t have access to basic education. Regrettably, the government’s investment in education is low. The children in such communities can only dream of seeing the four walls of a classroom. Otherwise, they are forced to leave their homes and relocate to a community with this social amenity. 

There is no doubt that the standard of education in any country plays a vital role in determining the class of individuals the nation produces. This indicates grave danger for the leaders of tomorrow. Especially early child education; early year experience has a significant influence on the all-round development and later lives of any child. It is found that the years between birth and age 7 are the foundation upon which successful (or otherwise) lives are built.

The alarming rate of out-of-school children and the low standard of education in Nigeria has informed our decision to contribute our quota towards finding a solution. We aim to offer these solutions by enrolling underserved out-of-school children in school, improving the quality of education in public schools as well as providing skills acquisition opportunities for self-sustainability. We see a better tomorrow where our country’s poverty, crime and illiteracy rate is reduced drastically.  

Education 

            Education as we know is the process of imparting knowledge. Knowledge as they say is power and the key to unlocking great opportunities. It is the building block in building a stronger and healthier society that is consequential in the development of the world and for a better tomorrow. It is the most important discovery of mankind.  This promotes brotherhood, unity, liberty and establishes justice thereby reducing the rate of crime and delinquency as in the case of Nigeria.

            Education plays a vital role in the lives of our children. A popular saying goes; it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Giving a child a sound education is the best legacy. It gives the child a sense of responsibility and independence. It develops their perspective of looking at life; helps them build opinions and points of view on global issues. This raises their cognitive skills by introducing new ideas, skill concept and opportunities, giving way for success. There is no argument that children are the future of society, the leaders of tomorrow. 

            Only through education and enlightenment can children withstand the rigour of facing challenges and the ability to proffer solutions to those problems. It is hands down the greatest investment one can make in the life of a child. “Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X   

            In conclusion, Education is fundamental for sustainable development. It is the strongest instrument in reducing poverty and improvement of health. It enables people to be more productive, to earn a better living and enjoy a better quality of life while also contributing to the country’s economic growth. Therefore it is very important in everyone’s lives especially that of a growing child. The mental, social and physical development of a child has a direct effect on the adult he/she will become. Investing in them through education will help enhance all. So also the spiritual and material development of any nation depends to a very large extent on the quality of education. Its importance is reflected in Millennium Development Goals- MDGs, Sustainable Development Goals- SDGs4 and Education For All- EFA.

“Knowledge is power, information is liberating and education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family.” Kofi Anan

Projects

 Through the broad nature of the problem we are trying to solve, we developed branches on which our team will work to find the best solution for the children in need. The NGO will work on the following areas;

Quality Education project

Giving every child a basic and quality education is our number one priority. We aim at developing children’s literacy and numeracy skills. So also by partnering with NGOs doing similar work and schools all over the country. It will give us the avenue to upgrade the children from public to private schools. With the help of slots and scholarships from the various schools/ NGOs.

School Feeding and Health project

The links between health and education are reciprocal; Good health is important for children to make the most of their educational opportunities.  Evidence-based studies indicate that good health and nutrition are perquisites for effective learning. This approach will help in making sure that every child has a meal, learns about health and nutrition, hygiene and sanitation and most importantly have a clean and safe environment for learning. 

Teacher training program

Teachers are the most important people in society. They play a crucial role in the educational development of any child. Teachers certainly contribute to determining whether the children receive quality education or not. By engaging them in training and orientation programs/workshops to better enlighten them and enhance their knowledge of teaching would surely make a great impact on both parties.

 Vocational/Leadership skills program

Cognizant of the aim of improving the general livelihood of children, it is pertinent to engage them in vocational skills training programs so that they learn skills that will provide them with independence and financial security. Additionally, civic leadership training will also be designed to nurture them as responsible young ambassadors. These skills(handwork) will be a way for them to earn/get income.

Tackling The Root of The Problem 

Getting to the root of the problem and tackling it is a very important key for the progress of not only our organization and other similar NGOs but the entire country. What we are going to do here when we get to the root of it all is to enlighten the parents and the community on the importance of education based on the data we’ve acquired. Then collaborate with NGOs that are based on the issues and try and tackle the problem.  

Charity projects 

Giving back to the community is what we do best. This allows us to make a difference in not just the academic and vocational development of children around the country but the impact on everybody’s lives.