Adamawa: UNICEF lifts education, distributes 343,952 bags others to schoolchildren
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has in a grand move to support education in Adamawa State has on Thursday distributed assorted learning materials to schoolchildren.
Items distributed include, 343,942 branded school bags recreational kits for 247,877 children, exercise books for 165,053 girls, Early Childhood Development (ECD) Kits for 7,400 children and 370 teachers as well as assorted pens, erasers, rulers, and sharpeners for 129, 281 children schooling in 931 public schools across the state.
Related news
Adamawa govt secures multi million dollar support from EU-UNICEF
UNICEF strengthens digital learning in Adamawa, trains 500 corp members
Nutrition: How UNICEF intervention help us fight malnutrition, poverty, Gombe women
In his remarks at the flag off of the distribution of the learning materials for the 2024/2025 academic session in Yola on Thursday, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane expressed optimism that the intervention will significantly boost education attainment in the state.
He thanked KFW of the government of Germany who supported his organization with the items in order to create an enabling environment for education to thrive in the state.
Rane noted that the aim of UNICEF is not only to enrol children into schools but to ensure attendance, retention, and a smooth transition from one educational level to the next while enhancing the quality of education as well as mitigating the indirect cost of education on
parents.
“Our goal extends beyond just enrolling children in school. We aim to
ensure attendance, retention, and a smooth transition from one
educational level to the next while enhancing the quality of
education as well as mitigating the indirect cost of education on
parents.
“Today, we are distributing learning items for children in Adamawa state. The items include branded school bags for 343,942 children, recreational kits for 247,877 children, exercise books for 165,053 girls, Early Childhood Development (ECD) Kits for 7,400 children and 370
teachers as well as assorted pens, erasers, rulers and sharpeners for
129,281 children schooling in 931 public schools across the state.
“These educational resources are provided to support our collective mission of reducing the number of out-of-school children, increasing retention,
facilitating transitions, and ensuring the completion of education for every
child in our community,” he said.
He noted that to boost education, UNICEF in partnership with donors,
including Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW), Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Cannot Wait (ECW),
Norwegian Embassy Towards Safe School Initiative Program (TSSIP), and Adamawa state government have constructed and renovated classrooms, and installed perimeter fences, toilets and instructional facilities across 125 schools in the state from 2021 to date.
“Education is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every child.
As we distribute these materials, we call on the Adamawa state government, and other partners to continue strengthening our collaboration to ensure that more children enroll in schools, retain,
complete, and transit to the next level.
“To the teachers, parents, and caregivers here today, your support and involvement in your children’s education are invaluable. Together, we can
create an environment where every child can fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society through qualitative education. These materials must reach the intended beneficiaries and be used for their rightful purpose.
“We urge you to regularly monitor and supervise the distribution and
utilization of these materials within your respective areas of responsibility
and promptly report any instances of misuse or suspicion of diversion to
the appropriate authorities,” Rane said.
Commending the unwavering support of UNICEF to education in Adamawa State, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri thanked the organization for championing the cause of education in the state over the years.
The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on education, Dr. Adamu Babikkoi said the landmark support will go a long way in lifting education in the state.
The governor who acknowledged some of the interventions of UNICEF toward education said UNICEF has built and renovated classrooms, supplied educational materials, and supported capacity building at various levels.
“Your dedication to the education sector in Adamawa State is not only commendable but also inspiring. These learning materials will undoubtedly play a crucial role in empowering our young minds and ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed in their educational journey.
“Education has always been a top priority for our administration, and we have made significant strides in transforming the educational landscape of Adamawa State,” the governor said.
He noted that some of the landmark strides his administration has made in the sector include giving free education at the Basic Level, payment of WAEC, NECO and BECE exam fees and
renovation of Legacy Secondary Schools amongst many interventions.
Also appreciating UNICEF the Executive Chairman of Adamawa State Universal Education Board (ADSUBEB), Dr. Murtala Umar Babayi said the donation of school bags and other essential learning materials underscores UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational outcomes of Adamawa children.
“These materials will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a conducive learning environment for our students, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive academically.
“We are deeply grateful to UNICEF for their steadfast support and partnership in advancing the cause of education in our dear state. Your contribution is an investment that seeks to ensure that every child has equitable access to quality education irrespective of gender, ability, religion, political and cultural affiliation.
“To His Excellency and all our distinguished guests, your presence here today is a testament to your dedication to education and your commitment to the well-being of our children. We look forward to your continued support for a brighter future for the next generation.
“Permit me to assure His Excellency that your mission and vision on primary and secondary education will continue to be our drive at SUBEB till every school going child in Adamawa state is given an equal chance to access quality education under your watch.
“Let me at this juncture restate that these learning materials are not for sale and so we at the Board will have zero tolerance in the event where these material are seen in any business/commercial area,” he said.
