NEDC,Yobe Gov't Launch support for 38,000 Almajiri Children with Relief materials

 

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Yobe State Government,has provided essential non-food items to 38,000 vulnerable children in Tsangaya and Almajiri schools across the state as part of the move to modernize and improve the conditions of Islamic education.

The intervention, which includes blankets and nylon mats, is designed to bring comfort to the students during the harsh Harmattan season. 

The initiative also features the construction of new solar-powered boreholes to ensure access to clean water.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Tsangayar Malam Rabiu Mai Bataliya in Gujba Local Government Area, the NEDC Managing Director, Mohammad Goni Alkali, emphasized that the program's core goal is to gradually modernize the Almajiri education system.

"Our aim, in collaboration with the Yobe State government,is to support these existing schools to improve their conditions so that we have a conducive environment for teaching and learning, just like in other formal education systems," said Alkali, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Prof. Ibrahim Ali Abbas.

To ensure the items reach the intended beneficiaries, NEDC officials personally oversaw the distribution directly to the schools and their pupils. 

Alkali urged the recipients to use the materials properly and not sell them, stressing that the government's provisions are for their direct benefit.

The newly commissioned solar-powered borehole at the Gujba school was highlighted as a critical infrastructure project. Alkali stated that it is one of five already constructed, with plans for more if the pilot program is successful.

On his remarks,Mustapha Mohammed Gujba, the Yobe State Focal Person on Almajiri and Out-of-School Children,commended the Commission on behalf of the Yobe state government.

He acknowledged that,the NEDC had executed several infrastructural projects across the state, including roads, boreholes, bridges, education facilities and market structures.

In appreciation, Mallam Rabiu Mai Bataliya thanked the NEDC for the assistance and assured that the items would be used for their intended purpose.