A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Gombe State Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim, on Wednesday engaged key stakeholders in the state on education as part of her NYSC Personal Community Development Service (CDS) Project.
The meeting which was held at the Government Vocational Training Center, Bolari East, Gombe State brought together parents from Kamara Primary School and Government Vocational Training Center, community leaders, and teachers.
According to her, the meeting is aimed at educating parents on the importance of education, highlighted their roles, and seek their collective contribution to the initiative.
Shukurat, who is set to launch her project titled “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders in North-East Nigeria through Education,” emphasized that the initiative is a collaborative effort.
“We are not doing it for the people; we are doing it with the people,” she said, stressing the need for community involvement.
A fellow corps member, Abdullahi Isaik, communicated with the parents in Hausa, explaining the project’s components, which include the renovation of Kamara Primary School’s toilets, provision of school sandals for 100 students, and distribution of writing materials.
He also highlighted the urgent need for these interventions, particularly for students whose parents struggle to afford basic school essentials.
In response, Mr. Sunusi Yahaya and Mrs. Monica Odch, speaking on behalf of the parents, expressed gratitude to the convener, describing the initiative as a much-needed intervention. They pledged the parents’ and community leaders’ full support to ensure the project’s success.
Also speaking, the Headmaster of Kamara Primary School, Mr. Haminu Ahmed Haruna, and the Principal of Government Vocational Training Center, Mr. Usman Umar Shettima, commended Shukurat’s selflessness, describing her as a role model for youth engagement in community development. They assured her of their continuous support throughout the project’s implementation.
In her closing remarks, Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim reaffirmed her commitment to giving back to the community, emphasizing that her project aligns with the NYSC’s Community Development Service (CDS) goals. She called on philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to support the initiative, noting that collective efforts are crucial to sustaining educational development in the state.
She also appreciated the Director General of Gombe Media Corporation, Mr. Ibrahim, for his unwavering support, words of encouragement, and the platform given to amplify her project. She extended her gratitude to the entire GMC staff for their role in publicizing her initiative.
The meeting had in attendance fellow corps members, including Abdullahi Isaik, Jonathan Joel, Haroon Muhammad, and the project convener, Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim.
I truly resonate with this sentiment and appreciate your commitment to the cause. I have often felt a deep concern when I observe primary schools that lack proper facilities and resources. The primary school stage is the essential foundation for a child’s education, as it shapes their future learning experiences and personal development.
It is crucial for the state government and all ministries of education to prioritize and invest more in primary education. A strong foundation is vital, and this can only be achieved if we ensure that schools are equipped with adequate resources. Additionally, it is imperative that we provide well-educated and dedicated teachers who are passionate about nurturing and guiding their students.
Many primary schools, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria, are in dire need of assistance. For instance, my own primary school in Jigawa Tsade, Jigawa State, has been facing numerous challenges that require immediate attention. I strongly urge both the government and the community to come together to support and uplift these schools.
Let us work collaboratively to enhance the quality of education in our primary schools so that every child has the opportunity to receive the education they deserve. God bless the Nigerian government and our Ministry of Education for their efforts in this vital area. Shekete kehinde STK