When Education Finds Its Way Back - Umma*’s Journey Back to School

Some years ago, Umma* stopped school. At home, circumstances shifted, and things became difficult. Without a steady income, Umma’s* mother, Zuwaira*, who once sold cooking oil, could no longer sustain a reliable means of livelihood.

 Honestly, I don't have any job now, although before, I used to sell cooking oil. Things just became difficult - Zuwaira*. 

One day, Zuwaira* heard in her community about a Save the Children Nigeria-supported learning centre (Alternative Learning Centre), and, upon hearing about it, she took Umma* and her sister Nana* to enrol. 

The Alternative Learning Centre is targeted at expanding access to safe, inclusive, and flexible education for children affected by conflict and displacement, supported by Save the Children in partnership with Education Cannot Wait. It aims to provide learning opportunities for out-of-school children, particularly girls, children with disabilities, and displaced learners. It offers flexible schedules and delivers accelerated and remedial learning to help learners catch up and transition back into formal schools. 

I heard the announcement across the community. I got the information and took her and her sister. They have been attending ever since. - Zuwaira*

Now, Umma* is back in school.  Umma* can now read and write and hopes to continue her education until she graduates. She also wishes that “the organisation expands even more so that other children can benefit.” She enjoys Mathematics and dreams of becoming a doctor. 

Before, I was not going to School, but now, after the arrival of this organization, that changed. They brought us many benefits. I can now read and write, and anything I am given, I can read it- Umma*

I am very happy and pleased that the organization brought her back to school.- Zuwaira* (Umma*s mother)

Umma's* sister, Nana*, also attends the Save the Children–supported Accelerated Learning Centre.

 I am happy and grateful because we are being taught and we also have games- Nana*

Save the Children Nigeria, in partnership with Education Cannot Wait,  is improving learning and expanding access to education across selected states in Nigeria by enrolling out-of-school children into learning programmes. 

This intervention also works to create safe and inclusive learning environments and to strengthen teaching quality through teacher training. Learners are supported with books, hygiene kits, and psychosocial services to reduce barriers to attendance and improve participation.

So far, over 122,000 children have been reached, 92,160 learner kits distributed, 5000 dignity kits distributed, and 6000 hygiene kits distributed.
 

*Name Changed