Education
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A non-governmental organisation (NGO), YouthInvolve, has called on government to provide funding to enhance supportive learning environment for children in schools.
The Lead YouthInvolve, Mr Moses Solanke, made the call during a rally to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child at St. Leo’s Catholic Primary Schools I and II, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s Day of the African Child is “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.”
Solanke stated that an African child was usually viewed from a one-sided lens as an unfortunate child, in poverty and needs, adding however, that “an African child is a bright child full of promises.
“He is a child let down by his elders and leaders because they rarely give him the opportunity to explore the gifts it has within.
“Our children are doing well across the world, not only in Africa, to let you know that we have it if only we have the right environment.”
He urged governments at all levels to put actions into their words on revamping education and invest more, especially in primary education.
According to him, government can start this by recruiting teachers and provide infrastructure for the basic level.
Solanke called on Catholic Church, the original owner of St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Orita Challenge, Ibadan, before it was taken over by government and the school’s alumni to provide it with supportive learning environment.
“Though Catholic Church owned the school before it was taken over by government, the church should still be interested in the school as it still bears its name,” Solanke said.
Head Teachers of schools I and II, Mrs Oluyemi Adesokan and Mrs Mary Owadasa respectively, identified dilapidated fence as one of the greatest challenges of the school.
They said that the dilapidated fence had opened the school to hoodlums who defecate and urinate on the classrooms, while residents of the area too usually dumped their waste within the premises.
Adesokan called on kind-hearted individuals to assist the school, adding that government had been doing so much in the education sector and would need support.
NAN reports that the group distributed bags to the indigent pupils of the school.
Two of the beneficiaries, Victoria Ibe and Folahan Olajire, expressed appreciation to the group for the gesture, saying it would further help them in their studies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IBK/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
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