NGO constructs classrooms for students learning under tree highlighted by Ripples Nigeria (Photos)

Respite has come the way of students of Gaa Alaanu Nomadic LGEA Primary School, a public school situated in a Fulani dominated community of Malete, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has come to their rescue.

The organisation, OneAfricanChild Foundation for Creative Learning has provided a block of two classrooms where the students and teachers can at least impact and receive learning away from the elements.

Ripples Nigeria had in a publication in May 2023 highlighted the plight of teachers and students in the school who had to stay under a tree to learn as there were no buildings in the school premises.

However, the NGO came in and changed that, by constructing a two classrooms block and fitted the windows, doors, roofing and plastering. They have also installed solar energy system for electrification through a partnership with LightEd.

Although Ripples Nigeria story was published in May of this year, it was gathered that the building had started as at the time of the publication, as work on the story had been conducted earlier.

Speaking on the project, Olumuyiwa Kotila, Executive Director of OneAfricanChild Foundation for Creative Learning, stated that their motivation to “work in this community is rooted in our belief that we can reshape the narrative by investing more in our own community and country. This perspective fuels our desire to make a meaningful impact”.

According to him, the OneAfricanChild Foundation was established with the motive of supporting disadvantaged children, with leadership skills and resources necessary for them to become proactive agents of change in their local communities. This mission, he stated was achieved by focusing on Global Citizenship and Peace Building Education (GCED).

READ ALSO: A tale of Kwara public school where pupils learn under the tree without chalkboards

Kotila Explained further that the organisation which is 100% youth-led, “works with young leaders from the community to empower the community through humanitarian efforts”, adding, that “we, as Africans, can create positive change by taking responsibility for One African Child at a time”.

On why this particular community and school, he stated that “our commitment to delivering quality and inclusive education to marginalized children led us to the Gaa-Alanu community. Witnessing the deplorable condition of the building the students were using was truly disheartening, and it raised significant concerns. This compelled OneAfricanChild Foundation to undertake the school building project, consisting of two classroom blocks, with the aim of providing a conducive learning environment for these students”.

He also called on government to “come on board to build more classrooms for the students, because the two blocks of classroom they have currently isn’t enough. The students need chairs and desks, whiteboards, school painting, more teachers to teach the students and school uniforms. OneAfricanChild would also like to collaborate with the government for teachers training and consultation”.

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