716 out-of-school children transition to formal education in Katsina

A total of 716 out-of-school children in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have graduated from non-formal learning centres and transitioned into formal schools.

The Programme Manager of Save the Children International (SCI), Mrs. Atine Lewi, announced this on Saturday during a mainstreaming exercise and presentation of school uniforms held in Mashi.

The initiative is part of SCI’s Education Cannot Wait – First Emergency Response (ECW-FER) project, which enrolled over 8,000 children in non-formal schools to learn basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Lewi explained that after five months of learning, 716 pupils demonstrated the ability to read and write and were admitted into 11 formal schools, while the remaining children would continue for an additional three months before reassessment.

“Those who pass will also be mainstreamed, while those who don’t will be supported to acquire self-reliance skills in collaboration with the local education authority,” she said.

She called on parents and community members to ensure the children remain in school to help bridge educational gaps in their communities.

SCI Education Officer, Mr. Sadiq Fema, said 112 teachers were recruited and trained in literacy and numeracy teaching methods, as well as on “teaching in crisis contexts.” He added that the children received learning materials, hygiene kits, and special support for those with disabilities.

The District Head of Mashi, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim (Iyan Katsina), commended SCI’s effort and pledged continued community support, while the Education Secretary of Mashi LGA, Mr. Kabir Ali, lauded the organisation’s commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the area.

Ali also noted that certificates would be issued to the graduates and that the Mashi Council Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Kallah, had promised uniforms and learning materials for 216 of the newly enrolled pupils.

Of the 716 children admitted into formal schools, 400 are girls and 316 are boys.