Kaduna, UNICEF partner to educate 200,000 out-of-school children
The Kaduna State Government has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund to support the Reaching Out-of-School Children project, aimed at providing quality education to over 200,000 out-of-school children in the state.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, made this announcement during the signing ceremony at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Friday.
She stated that the project aims to ensure all children in the state have access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances.
“This project marks a crucial step in our shared commitment to ensuring that children in Kaduna State have access to quality education, irrespective of their circumstances,” she said.
Balarabe also stressed that the project seeks to change the narrative for out-of-school children, particularly girls, children with disabilities, and adolescents, by providing them with a path to education, opportunities, and a brighter future.
“Education is the foundation of a prosperous society, and its importance in shaping the future of our state cannot be overstated,” she added.
She further conveyed Governor Uba Sani’s appreciation, stating, “Our Governor, Senator Uba Sani, extends his heartfelt felicitations to our esteemed partners who have made this historic event possible. He is deeply encouraged by your unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of underserved children in our state.”
Balarabe also commended UNICEF and other partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All, and Save the Children International, for their support.
“We are committed to prioritising education in our budgets and deepening our partnerships with organisations like UNICEF to ensure every child has access to quality education,” she said.
According to Balarabe, the ROOSC project aligns with the state’s Education Sector Strategic Plan (2019-2029) and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
She added, “The ROOSC project directly addresses one of our most significant challenges, the high number of out-of-school children, many of whom are girls, children with disabilities, and adolescents. We are committed to maximising the impact of our resources. This project will enhance the efficiency of our education system through improved management, robust data systems, and stronger accountability mechanisms.”
Balarabe noted that the project anticipates reintegrating over 200,000 out-of-school children into the education system, while more than 1.2 million primary school pupils will benefit from improved facilities and learning materials. Additionally, over 36,000 key stakeholders, including teachers, headteachers, and local education authorities, will receive vital training and capacity development.
In expressing her gratitude, Balarabe said, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to UNICEF, our long-standing and trusted partner. Your unwavering support and expertise will be instrumental in helping us meet the ambitious goals set for this project. We also recognise and appreciate the generous contributions of our other partners—the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All, and Save the Children International. Your support underscores the power of international cooperation in addressing the global challenge of out-of-school children.”
She reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to prioritising education in its budget and its determination to strengthen partnerships with organisations like UNICEF. “Our shared vision is to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, ability, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” she concluded.
