The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched its Opportunities to Learn Activity in Borno and Yobe States to ensure that out-of-school children and youths in Northeast Nigeria are safely able to gain foundational literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning skills.
According to a statement from the U.S, Mission in Abuja, “these skills will enable children and youth affected by crisis and conflict to progress to higher levels of education, training, or engagement in the workforce.”
The statement said that USAID awarded the $25 million activity to the International Rescue Committee, leading a consortium comprising Plan International, the American University in Nigeria , Inclusive Development Partners, and Restoration of Hope Initiative.
In her remarks, Katie Donohoe, USAID Acting Mission Director said, “The program will strengthen the ability of education authorities in Borno and Yobe states to meet the challenge of rebuilding a ravaged school system and provide learners with a chance for a quality future.”
The statement noted that “the education crisis in Northeast Nigeria remains an obstacle to strengthening resilience, development, and peace in the region. Children and youth in Borno and Yobe face protracted conflict, forced displacement, economic uncertainty, food insecurity, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These factors contribute to widespread poverty, lost livelihoods, and years of education loss.”
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the vast majority of the 10 million out-of-school children live in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States and more than half of them have not received any formal education.