In a significant move towards improving education access, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KAD-SUBEB), has successfully enrolled over 1,000 out-of-school children from the remote Farar Kasa community in Soba Local Government Area.

This initiative marks a crucial step in addressing the educational needs of this isolated region. As part of the partnership between the state government and UNICEF, a new primary school has been established, along with an adult education program designed for individuals above the traditional school age.

This dual approach aims to enhance educational opportunities for both children and adults in the community. Dr. Gerida Birukila, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, emphasized the importance of this development while distributing uniforms and educational materials in preparation for the new academic year.

She noted that the remote location of Farar Kasa had significantly hindered access to education, underlining the necessity of building a new school within the community. Dr. Birukila highlighted the challenges faced by the community, which remains isolated in terms of health, education, and other essential services.

She expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the establishment of the school would contribute to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State.

She also urged community members to take an active role in the school’s success and ensure that their children attend regularly.

In addition, she assured the community that Farar Kasa would benefit from a new portable borehole and a medical facility, alongside the adult education program.

The Chairman of SUBEB, Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi, acknowledged and praised UNICEF for its ongoing support to Kaduna State in the realms of education and healthcare.

He mentioned that SUBEB is currently executing its 2023/2024 projects in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). Plans are already underway for the construction of a permanent structure for the school, which is expected to commence in January 2025.

Soba LGA Chairman Abdulmumini Bawa Gamagira also expressed gratitude to UNICEF and SUBEB. He stressed the crucial role of education in fostering development and remarked that tackling illiteracy could address a significant portion of Nigeria’s challenges, including issues related to insecurity.

Alhaji Habeeb Suleiman, the Village Head of Farar Kasa, welcomed the school project with enthusiasm. He acknowledged that the community’s children previously had limited educational opportunities, particularly during the rainy season, due to the considerable distance to the nearest school in Kusallo.

This new initiative is seen as a transformative step towards overcoming such barriers and improving the community’s access to education.