Reaching Out of School: Kaduna, Save the Children Flags Off Distribution of 500,000 Learning Kits

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with Save the Children International, has officially flagged off the distribution of 500,000 learner kits for pupils as part of efforts to support out-of-school children under the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project. 

This initiative is aimed at improving school enrolment, retention, completion, and overall learning outcomes, particularly for children who have either never been enrolled or dropped out of school.

The ROOSC project, supported by Save the Children, UNICEF, and other development partners, targets the enrolment and reintegration of 200,000 out-of-school children across Kaduna State. It represents a bold step toward addressing barriers to basic education and promoting inclusive, equitable learning for all.

At one of the designated learning centres in Ungwan Muazu, Kaduna South LGA, excitement filled the air as the project reached a significant milestone. 

Mbursa Emmanuel, the Project Director of the ROOSC at Save the Children, expressed enthusiasm at the symbolic flag-off of the distribution of learner kits. 

He described the occasion as more than just an event. “it was a meaningful statement of hope and inclusion.

“We are really happy to be here,” Emmanuel said. “This is just a symbolic flag-off of the 100,000 bags and learner kits we plan to distribute to children under the ROOSC project.” 

He emphasized that the initiative, led by the Kaduna State Government and supported by development partners, is focused on returning out-of-school children to the classroom. 

“The goal is to return children to school, and as you can see, the children are really happy,” Mbursa said.

He also emphasised the importance of sustainability and local ownership. 

According to him, “No project can be sustained without strong community engagement. That’s why we’re working closely with community leaders, religious leaders, and government partners to ensure that ownership is transferred to the community.”

Emmanuel explained that even the project facilitators were selected from within the local communities to ensure continuity. 

“We want to ensure that once this project is completed, the community can take over from there. We’re working with them to ensure that these learners not only receive materials but also put them to good use.”

On his part, Ezra Angai, the ROOSC Project Coordinator, described the moment as a major achievement in the project’s implementation.

“This is a milestone in the implementation of our project. It’s overwhelming to witness the transformation taking place. These children are finally getting the chance they deserve,” Angai noted.

He explained that the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) had been set up in selected learning centres. Through ABEP, children undergo nine months of intensive, fast-tracked basic education after which they are assessed and placed at the appropriate levels in formal schools.

Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Salisu Baba, Director of Planning at the Ministry, expressed the government’s support for the project. 

He called on all stakeholders—especially parents, community leaders, and religious leaders to encourage every child to attend school, regardless of gender or ability.

“My message to parents, community leaders, and religious leaders is that they should support this initiative by encouraging every child to attend school whether male or female, and regardless of ability,” he said.

Baba acknowledged the investments already made by the state government, including the construction and renovation of classrooms and the recruitment of more teachers. 

However, he emphasized that government efforts alone are not sufficient, noting “The government has done its best, but we need the support of community leaders and gatekeepers. This is a collective responsibility.”

He also noted that the learning kits distribution had commenced in Ungwan Muazu and would continue across the State.

In his remarks, Dr. Muhammed Umar, who represented the Chairman of Kaduna South Local Government Area, while welcoming guests to the event, expressed the local government’s commitment to the education of every child. 

He described the event as a strong message that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed. 

“What is being done here today goes beyond just handing out school bags and writing materials. We are sending a strong and clear message that every child deserves a chance to be in school, to learn, and to succeed,” he stated.

Dr. Umar explained that Kaduna South LGA had already taken proactive steps to address barriers to education. He shared that the LGA had set up a functional Committee on Education, Scholarship, and Student Support, comprising dedicated individuals working on practical policies to support learners, especially from low-income families. 

The LGA also restructured its School-Based Management Committees by involving philanthropists, retired teachers, community elders, and other committed individuals to foster true community ownership of schools.

He further noted that indigent students had been supported through scholarships, with several children benefiting from the free payment of JAMB and SSCE fees.

The LGA has also begun supporting school infrastructure and is actively promoting community involvement in education. 

“We are doing these things because we believe education is the key to a better life. And no child, I repeat, no child, should be left behind simply because their parents cannot afford books or school uniforms,” Dr. Umar declared.

He urged parents to take ownership of their children’s education and thanked teachers for their dedication. He also appreciated development partners for their continuous collaboration, which he said was giving children a fighting chance. “To our dear learners, these kits are for you. Use them well. Study hard. And always remember that we believe in you,” he said.