How Save the Children’s Innovative Training Transforms Basic Education in Kaduna State
By:Femi Mustapha
Teachers across Kaduna State are experiencing a major shift in their classroom practices, thanks to a transformative teaching methodology introduced through the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project, implemented by Save the Children in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government.
The intervention, which focuses on Teacher Professional Development (TPD), is part of a broader strategy aimed at reintegrating out-of-school children into the formal education system and improving the overall quality of learning in basic education.
During a one-day sensitization for teachers in Kaduna South, Kaduna North, and Igabi LGAs, teachers shared powerful testimonials on how the Save the Children-supported training has revolutionized their approach to teaching.
“Over the years, we have participated in several training programs, but I must say that the training under the Save the Children initiative stands out as one of the most impactful,” said Nurudeen Nasir, a teacher from Kaduna South.
“The learner-centered methods have simplified teaching for us and made our lessons far more engaging and effective.”.
These newly adopted strategies emphasize practical, inclusive, and child-centered learning, allowing teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students, including those who were previously out of school.
For Khadija Mohammed, another teacher and beneficiary of the ROOSC program in Kaduna South, the trainings have been a game-changer.
“The training opened my eyes to better ways of bridging the learning gap for children who have dropped out or never been enrolled. It taught us how to manage inclusive classrooms where no child is left behind—regardless of disability or background,” she said.
Mohammed also highlighted one of the persistent challenges faced by educators: the disconnect between classroom teachings and the learners’ home environments.
“We try to instill values and discipline in school, but many of the children return to communities that do not reinforce these efforts. Yet, we remain committed and actively engage parents to support their children’s education,” she added.
Building Capacity for Sustainable Impact
According to Sughene Atii, Education Officer with Save the Children, the TPD initiative is critical to the success of the ROOSC project.
“It’s not enough to bring children back to school—we must ensure that teachers are well-equipped to keep them in school and support their learning journey,” Atii explained.
The project is currently implemented across nine Local Government Areas in Kaduna’s three senatorial zones, with a target of 405 classroom teachers receiving direct training. These teachers are selected from communities with high numbers of out-of-school children.
Following an initial needs assessment by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Save the Children worked with SUBEB and the Kaduna State Ministry of Education to develop training models focusing on pedagogy, inclusion, and learning outcomes.
The first phase of this training has already empowered hundreds of teachers with modern, practical teaching tools.
This week’s sensitization at Model Primary School, Makera, Kaduna South, is a continuation of that effort. In partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the session introduced teachers to the National Teacher Career Path Policy, encouraging them to pursue long-term professional development.
“You cannot give what you do not have,” Atii said. “We are helping teachers to reflect on their growth, assess their competencies, and aspire toward national teaching standards.”
Looking Ahead
The ROOSC project—while focused on reducing the number of out-of-school children—is having a much deeper impact by transforming the way education is delivered. Teachers are not just facilitators of learning but champions of inclusion, innovation, and resilience in the classroom.
As Kaduna State continues to battle the challenge of out-of-school children, Save the Children’s partnership is proving that with the right tools and support, teachers can be the most powerful force in ensuring every child not only returns to school but thrives in it. BMW
