Lead Writer - Yusuf Mustapha
Save the Children Nigeria is restoring safe learning spaces for crisis-affected children in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States in Northwest Nigeria in partnership with Goal Prime Organisation Nigeria, with support from the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) First Emergency Response grant (FER).
In a community located in Katsina state, Save the Children Nigeria in collaboration with Goal Prime Organisation Nigeria, with support from Education Cannot Wait, transformed a severely dilapidated primary school into a safe learning space where children learn with safety, dignity, and hope.
Before the intervention, the primary school was structurally unsafe and not conducive to learning. The school had only one block of two classrooms with an office, and the classrooms had no roofing and no windows. Parts of the walls had collapsed. During rainfall, classrooms flooded, and during extreme heat, learning became unsuitable for learners.
Although 120 pupils were officially enrolled, but an average daily attendance ranged between 40 and 50 learners. Many parents kept their children at home due to safety concerns. Girls were disproportionately affected due to broken, unsafe sanitation facilities that offered no privacy or dignity.
Before rehabilitation Yusuf Mustapha
Through the Integrated Emergency Education Response in Northwest Nigeria, Save the Children Nigeria, in partnership with Education Cannot Wait implemented targeted infrastructure rehabilitation to restore safe access to quality education.
Key interventions include:
- Reconstruction of collapsed classroom walls.
- Installation of new roofing, doors, and windows.
- Full classroom rehabilitation to ensure structural safety and protection from weather.
- Construction of gender-sensitive Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines to ensure privacy, dignity, and safety—especially for girls.
- Community engagement and involvement of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to strengthen local ownership and child safeguarding.
All rehabilitation works adhered to minimum safety standards, child safeguarding principles, and inclusive design considerations to ensure the facilities were accessible and protective for all learners.
After rehabilitation Yusuf Mustapha
Enrollment Nearly Quadruples- The Impact was Immediate and Measurable
Daily school attendance stabilised at a high level. School enrollment increased from 120 to 450 pupils. Girls' attendance and participation have significantly improved. Community confidence in the school was restored; Parents feel confident sending their children back to school. Teachers report improved Girls' concentration, regular attendance, and stronger engagement.
Children’s Voices: Safety Brings Confidence
Rain used to fall on us in class. I feared the toilet, so I stayed at home. Now my classroom is dry and clean. The toilets are nice. I come to school every day. I feel happy and safe.
Our wall fell down before. We stopped lessons. Now our classroom is strong. We learn every day. I like school. I want to become a teacher.
Yusuf Mustapha
Safe infrastructure is not just about buildings; it is about protection, dignity, and the confidence to dream. The change brought renewed purpose. The school's head teacher reflected on the journey.
This school was almost empty. Parents did not trust the building. After the renovation, enrolment increased from 120 to 450 pupils. Children now attend daily, and teaching feels good again.
Our children now learn in a safe and clean school. Parents are happy to send both boys and girls. We thank Save the Children and Education Cannot Wait. - Community Leader
