From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Save the Children International (SCI), in partnership with the Accelerated Education Working Group (AEWG) and HANDS, has flagged off the distribution of education and livelihood support kits in Jigawa state.
Over 2,200 learners were mainstreamed to formal school, 191 vocational skills participants were graduated and IGA kits was distributed and also distributed agricultural tools to 20 Farmer Field schools in Jigawa.
The ceremony, held in Raha community of Babura Local Government Area, brought together traditional leaders, government officials, community members, and development partners to demonstrate their shared commitment to inclusive education, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the flag off ceremony, the Director of programme Operations Save the Children International, Mr Joshua Anar, explained that the support is under the European Union-funded Northwest Project on Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth.
The Director maintained that, the project supports disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including women, girls, youth, children with disabilities, and nomadic communities across Sokoto, Kano, and Jigawa states.
According to him, “Through the Alternative Basic Education Programme (ABEP), out-of-school children and youth have gained foundational learning skills and are now being transitioned into formal schools and Graduates of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme are also receiving Income Generating Activity (IGA) kits, while Farmer Field School (FFS) participants are being supported with agricultural inputs and implements.
During the event,142 mainstreaming kits were distributed to ABEP learners in Raha community as they prepare to enter formal schools. In addition,13 sewing machines were presented to 27 TVET graduates, while five sets of farming inputs and implements including wheelbarrows, watering cans, hoes, nets, and improved seedlings, were distributed to Farmer Field School participants.
While delivering his speech, the Director Schools Jigawa State Ministry of Basic Education, Mustapha Ahmed Babura, described the effort as a significant step towards strengthening access to education, promoting economic self-reliance, and sustaining community development interventions across the state.
Also speaking Director Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), Abubakar Garba said, the agency in collaboration with these partners trains the beneficiaries on how to generate income, improve food security and how to address climate change challenges.
Speaking on behalf of entire beneficiaries, Maryam Basiru who benefitted with training and sewing machine commended the EU and Save the Children International for uplifting their lives.
Mamman Suraja is also among the beneficiaries, promised to to use the skills appropriately and step it down to others in their community.
The exercise distribution underscored the commitment of government, communities, and development partners to ensuring vulnerable children and youth have greater opportunities to learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities.
