How Save the Children’s Teaching Methodology  is Transforming Basic Education in Kaduna

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Classrooms in Kaduna State’s public primary schools, are experiencing transformative wave following the dynamic teaching methodology introduced by Save the Children International under the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project.

The initiative is redefining how teachers engage with pupils, particularly in marginalized communities, making learning more inclusive, interactive, and impactful.

The change is a teacher-centered approach to capacity building, rolled out in partnership with the Kaduna State Government and key education stakeholders such as the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and local government education authorities.

During a one-day career path sensitization workshop held at Model Primary School, Makera in Kaduna South Local Government Area on Tuesday, classroom teachers from Kaduna South, Kaduna North, and Igabi gathered to reflect on their professional growth and the positive shifts in their teaching practices.

“Teaching used to feel overwhelming,” said Nurudeen Umar Nasir, a primary school teacher from Shiek Gumi Model Primary School, Kaduna. 

“But the training from Save the Children introduced new methods that make lessons more practical and easier to deliver. It has simplified how we teach and improved how children learn,” he noted.

The new methodology is rooted in child-centered learning, inclusive classroom management, and competency-based education strategies. It emphasizes interactive lessons that engage pupils of all backgrounds, including children with disabilities and those returning to school after prolonged absences.

“We now know how to include every child,” said Khadija Mohammed, one of the Kaduna North teacher beneficiaries of the ROOSC program. 

“The methodology has helped us bridge the learning gap for children who had dropped out or had never been in school. We are also trained to work closely with parents to support consistent learning,” Khadija explained.

According to her, one of the most impactful lessons she learned was how to bridge the learning gap among children who have either dropped out of school or have never been enrolled. 

“These children often come in with significant educational gaps. As teachers, we’ve been trained to find creative and inclusive ways to bridge that gap, ensuring that these children are not left behind,” she said.

According to Sughene Atii, Education Officer for Save the Children in Kaduna State, the teaching methodology is only one part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the entire education ecosystem. 

“It’s not just about bringing children back to school, It’s about ensuring they stay and thrive. That means empowering the teachers who support them daily,” Sughene explained.

“The ROOSC project targets nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Kaduna’s three senatorial zones, with 405 teachers expected to benefit in the first phase. 

“Prior to the training rollout, a detailed teacher needs assessment was conducted by SUBEB, identifying technical gaps in lesson delivery, inclusion, and classroom management. In response, customized training modules were co-developed by Save the Children, SUBEB, and the Ministry of Education.

“These modules are being delivered in phases, starting with core pedagogy and followed by professional development workshops like the recent career path sensitization. Save the Children is also working closely with TRCN to ensure that teachers understand and align with the national career path policy for educators,” he added.

Sughene, further explained that while the methodology has received glowing reviews from educators, challenges remain especially related to community influences and home environments that don’t always support formal education. 

“However, the project addresses these issues through community engagement and by encouraging teachers to act as advocates for continued learning outside the classroom,” he said.

As Kaduna State continues its efforts to tackle the out-of-school children crisis, the adoption of innovative, teacher-focused methodologies like those introduced by Save the Children is proving to be a powerful tool, not just in getting children back to school, but in ensuring they learn, stay engaged, and have a brighter future.