80, 000 Children, Youth In North East Benefit From USAID ‘Learning Centers’

An estimated out-of-school children and youths in the crisis-ridden North East of Nigeria have benefitted from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Learning Centers since 2014.

In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by the U.S Embassy, it said the intervention has provided a peaceful environment for basic education and psycho-social support to the over 80,000 out-of-school youth in five conflict-affected states, many who are children and youth, particularly girls and the physically challenged, that have been traumatized by violence and are unable to access mainstream education.

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According to the statement, the USAID through the Education Crisis Response (ECR) in conjunction with state governments and civil society organizations established more than 1,400 non-formal learning centers, which focus on teaching literacy and basic math, and provided socio-emotional learning activities to counter the negative effects of violent extremism, strengthen participants’ resilience, and build trust.

“The three-year, $24.7 million activity was implemented through a collaborative effort involving USAID, state governments and civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, community coalitions, International Rescue Committee, Florida State University, the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, and the Federation of Muslim Women Society in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

This was made known at the closing ceremonies of the ECR on January 26, 2018.

“The Education Crisis Response activity helped to answer widespread demand for quality secular, primary education in northeast Nigeria,” USAID Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin said.

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“USAID will maintain its commitment to marginalized children and youth in the northeast and looks forward to continuing our partnership with Nigeria to strengthen education across the country.”

For some 22,000 older learners, the nine-month basic education curriculum was complemented by market-oriented vocational skills that helped participants generate income for their families.

Additional special Adolescent Girl Centers help teenage girls heal, learn, and gain valuable life skills. Other centers were developed specifically for younger girls and boys.

Speaking on her experience, 14-year old Lillian in Bauchi said, “I am enjoying school now. When I attended previous schools, there was no peace. Now we can give our full attention to the class. We can concentrate and understand what is being taught. I will study hard, and hope someday to achieve my ambition of becoming a nurse.”

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