By Femi Mustapha
The Kaduna State government has successfully integrated over 10,000 out-of-school children into formal education as part of the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project.
This initiative, supported by partners such as the Islamic Development Bank, the Qatar Fund, and other international organizations, aims to reintegrate more than 200,000 out-of-school children into formal education across Kaduna State within four years.
The ROOSC project has several key objectives, including the construction of new regional schools, expanding access to education, providing quality learning experiences, renovating existing schools to enhance the learning environment, and creating conducive classrooms for students.
Additionally, the project seeks to strengthen the education system and improve the quality of teaching, along with training School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to enhance school governance and community participation.
The project has already achieved notable milestones, including the integration of over 100 children from catch-up clubs into formal schools.
According to Hassan Abdul, Deputy Coordinator of the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, the initiative aims to ensure that every child in Kaduna State has access to quality education and the opportunity to become a productive and responsible citizen.
The project has received support from various stakeholders, including the Kaduna State Assembly Committee on Education, which has praised the government for its efforts in promoting education.
Mohammed Ismaila, a member of the Committee, emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s agenda to ensure every child receives a basic education.
Tanko Langaya, Team Lead of Save the Children (SCI), commended the state government for its initiatives to promote education and reduce the number of out-of-school children. Langaya remarked that the initiative brings renewed hope for thousands of children who have been unable to attend school due to various socio-economic and cultural challenges. He praised the Kaduna State Government and all implementing partners for their dedication and innovative strategies in reaching every child.
The ROOSC project is a collaboration among the Kaduna State Government, Save the Children International, and UNICEF.
Langaya urged all stakeholders—including parents, community leaders, educators, and development partners—to support the initiative and foster an environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. He emphasized that education is the cornerstone of every progressive society and that reintegrating out-of-school children into the formal education system will not only safeguard their future but also strengthen the fabric of communities and the nation.
The ROOSC project is a strategic collaboration involving the Kaduna State government and various development partners, including the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), which provides financial support for constructing new schools and renovating existing ones; the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which provides additional financial support for school infrastructure; and the Global Partnerships for Education (GPE), which funds initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes, including enrollment, training, capacity building, and the distribution of teaching and learning materials.
Other partners include Education Above All (EAA), which supports learning outcomes, and Save the Children International (SCI), which offers technical expertise and community mobilization to drive these goals. UNICEF plays a crucial role in strengthening education systems through capacity-building initiatives.
The successful integration of out-of-school children into formal education marks a significant milestone in the Kaduna State government’s efforts to promote education and reduce the number of out-of-school children. With the backing of development partners and stakeholders, the ROOSC project is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of children in Kaduna State.
