By Ibrahim Musa Kallah

In a bid to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children in Katsina State, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to ensure the success of the Radio School Program. The program, supported by a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Community Aid Connect, in partnership with the state agency for mass education, aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state through a digital literacy program.

Implemented in 34 local government areas across 107 selected centers, the program targets Islamiya schools with a one-hour literacy education program. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the issue of out-of-school children in seven states within the Northwest zone, including Katsina.

A recent stakeholders’ meeting, convened by Community Aid Connect, brought together facilitators, traditional leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to discuss the program’s implementation.

Hajiya Maryam Faruq, program manager, highlighted the meeting’s objective: to foster greater understanding between implementors and facilitators.

Represented by regional coordinator Mr. Bolarinwa Akunkoluwa, Faruq expressed optimism that the meeting had resolved existing misunderstandings amicably.

However, Abbah Kabir, community implementation officer for the NGO, debunked claims by facilitators regarding the provision of monthly allowances and motorcycles. Instead, he emphasized the need for commitment and patriotism from stakeholders to ensure the project’s success, which focuses on educating Tsangaya school pupils.

Hajiya Rakiya Sada, Director of Literacy at the Katsina State Agency for Mass Education, assured attendees of the state government’s continued support for the program’s smooth implementation. Other speakers, including program mentor Maryam Abdulrahman, traditional rulers, community leaders, and facilitators, also pledged their support for the digital literacy program.

The stakeholders’ meeting demonstrates a collective commitment to tackling the issue of out-of-school children in Katsina State.

By working together, stakeholders aim to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, ultimately reducing the number of children without access to education.

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