From Umar Dankano, Yola
In an effort to improve quality education on the adolescent population especially girls aged 13-19, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE to construct 64 class rooms in Adamawa state.
The lead Implementor of the Safe Spaces Component of the initiative (AGILE -AF), Professor Sofeme Jebson disclosed the development during a One-Day stakeholders meeting in Yola yesterday.
Professor Jenson explained the urgent need to create a conducive environment for learning and empowerment of girls through life skills education noting that the meeting with the theme “Life Skills Empowerment Through Safe Spaces” was organized by AGILE-AF in collaboration with the Adamawa State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
“This transformative initiative aims to improve access to quality education for adolescent girls aged 13-19 and to provide them with safe learning spaces, and reduce school dropout rates among girls across the 21 LGA’s in the state.
In his submission at the meeting the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Garba Umar Pella described the initiative as timely. “Safe spaces are critical for creating successful learning environments and improving student performance, aligns with our commitment to prioritizing education for all,” Pella stated.
Represented by the permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aisha Umar,Pella noted that, the state has invested over ₦7 billion in external examinations and provided scholarships for 50 students to study in China under Governor AHMADU UMARU Fintiri’s administration.
Earlier, Siddiki Liman, the Project Coordinator for AGILE-AF, emphasized the initiative’s focus on addressing barriers to education, such as poverty and child marriage, that often force girls out of school.
“Our mission is to create safe and accessible learning spaces for adolescent girls, ensuring that those who have dropped out are re-enrolled in school. To further support them, financial incentives will be provided each term as motivation,” Liman said.
He stated that the initiative will also offer digital literacy and skills training to empower girls with tools for a brighter future urging school principals and stakeholders at the event to submit their school account details to facilitate the project, ensuring no community misses out on this life-changing opportunity.
“AGILE-AF is committed to fostering an enabling environment for girls, enhancing project management, and strengthening the education system in Adamawa State.
“This initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the lives of adolescent girls, providing them with the education and skills they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“The AGILE initiative calls on stakeholders, community leaders, and school administrators to support the project by mobilizing efforts to identify and enroll out-of-school girls and ensure smooth project implementation.
“Together, we can create a future where every girl has access to quality education and the opportunity to excel”.Liman assured
Various speakers at the event call for the inclusion of Gender-Based Violence indicators and awareness in the education plan of the girls, a basic health awareness training and climate change consciousness in the curriculum design for the AGILE-AF.
They submit that these components will facilitate in delivering a comprehensive and wholistic education for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment – Additional Funding (AGILE-AF) project in Adamawa a unique project in Nigeria.