UNICEF, Partners Distributes learning materials worth millions of Naira to school children in Adamawa
From Umar Dankano, Yola
With a view to enhance quality education and mitigate indirect cost on parents, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF with support from its partners has distributed essential learning materials worth millions of Naira to school children in Adamawa state.
Items distributed at a flag-off ceremony held on Thursday in Yola South local government area 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
Delivering his address,Chief of field office, Unicef Bauchi field office, Dr. Tushar Rane said these educational resources are provided to support the 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.
Represented by the Adamawa state Unicef Coordinator, Joel Jutum, Rane Stressed that, the goal of the support extends beyond just enrolling children in school but aims 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.
Rane extended gratitude to their partner, the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau,KFW of the Government of Germany who have made this initiative possible with their generous support that enables UNICEF to create an environment where every child can fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.
He noted that the learning materials are for 2024/2025 academic session acknowledging the contributions of their partners like KFW, Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Cannot Wait (ECW),Norwegian Embassy Towards Safe School Initiative Program (TSSIP), and Adamawa state government for constructing and renovating classrooms, and installed perimeter fences, toilets, and instructional facilities across 125 schools in the state from 2021 to date.
“When children have the necessary tools for learning, they are more likely to stay in school and engage actively in their education. With these items, we are promoting this cause in Adamawa state.
“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.
Earlier in his speech, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri applauded the unwavering interventions of UNICEF in the state saying that, the event marks a critical step forward in their shared commitment to enhancing the quality of education for our children and securing a brighter future for our dear state.
Represented by his Special Adviser on education, Dr.Adamu Babikoi, Governor Fintiri admitted that the 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.
Fintiri added that, Education has always been a top priority for his administration, and have made significant strides in transforming the educational landscape of the State.
Fintiri stated that these materials will enhance the learning experience of our children and contribute to their academic success.
” I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to UNICEF for their continued partnership and support. Your contributions have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our children and the overall development of our education sector.
“I want to assure the people of Adamawa State that our commitment to education remains unwavering. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in our state has access to quality education”
