By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
As part of efforts to ensure an effective implementation of Kaduna State Second Chance Education (SCE) programme, Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) on Wednesday, brought together community gatekeepers to sensitize them on their support for the programme.
The SCE is a special scheme in Kaduna State that aims at enhancing existing opportunities of furthering education for females, males and persons living with disabilities (PLWD) or special needs, who missed the opportunity of basic education or dropped out from school at any point for any reasons.
Speaking at a 1-Day Advocacy & sensitization to community gatekeepers & follow-up consultative dialogue on Second Chance Education, State Team Lead of PERL, Abel Adejo, said the participants were drawn out because of their importance and influence in their various communities.
“We recognize you as critical stakeholders and influencers in your various communities, that is why we brought you together to make critical contributions on how to ensure this programme USB effectively implemented in Kaduna State.” He said.
On his part, Istifanus Akau, State Partnership Facilitator, PERL, said the goal of the community gatekeepers is to ensure community participation in the implementation of the programme.
He explained that the Second Chance Education programme was specifically designed for persons who missed the opportunity to acquire basic education or dropped out from school at any point for various reasons.
Akau noted that the meeting was organised to sensitise and increase community leaders’ understanding of the SCE Implementation Plan.
“Also to prepare community leaders to begin identification of out of school children and school dropped out for the SCE programme according to identified clusters.
“The meeting would help participants to develop a simple register for use by the community leaders to capture out of school children and school dropouts in their communities.
“To support enrolment drive through campaigns, dialogue, town hall meetings, house-to-house visits, and drama using role models in the community.
“We also want to agree on strategies for monitoring the learning centre, teachers’ performance, facilities, safe spaces, and enrolment exercise for the second chance programme.” He added.
The Deputy Director Female Education, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Mrs Aishatu Mohammed, commended PERL for moblilising community leaders to support the implementation of the SCE programme.
Mohammed pointed out that community participation, particularly community leaders – the gatekeepers was key to the success of the programme.
“The programme is designed for the benefit of community members who have missed the chance to acquire basic education, but the government cannot do this alone.
“We need the support of community leaders who will identify the out of school children and school dropouts in their various communities to give them a chance to acquire basic education,” she said.
Mr Tijjani Aliyu, Citizens Co-chair, Kaduna Basic Education Accountability Mechanism, equally pointed out that the community leaders have a critical role to play in the education of their community members.
Aliyu called on the community gatekeepers to support the process by working with relevant stakeholders in mobilising out of school children in their community including adult dropouts to benefit.
