The European Union (EU) has launched the "Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North West Nigeria" (ABEP) program.
This initiative aims to reintegrate 417,661 children who are currently out of school in the northwestern region of the country.
The program was officially announced by Tobi Ransomed, the consortium lead, during a launch event held in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.
Ransomed emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the high number of out-of-school children in the region, stating, "The high rate of out-of-school children requires a holistic approach from all relevant stakeholders to ensure these children reach their potential."
The three-year pilot program will be implemented through a collaboration between Save the Children International, PLAN, and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAG). It will focus on twelve local government areas across Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto States.
According to data from Save the Children International, Nigeria accounts for 10% of the world's out-of-school children, with over 10 million primary school-age children not attending school.
The ABEP program is designed to provide access to safe, quality, and inclusive education for 324,000 young girls and boys, as well as 32,400 persons with disabilities. Additionally, it aims to enhance livelihood opportunities by offering vocational education and green job training for 60,000 youths and 6,000 persons with disabilities.
Comments