Sola POPOOLA
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye has hinted that the 2nd Chance Education Scheme will commence in 20 centres acros the State.
She explained that the initiative is aimed at providing opportunities for girls who dropped out of school as a result of varied factors ranging from socio-economic factors to adolescent pregnancy etcetera.
The Commissioner also disclosed that a work plan was developed at the two-day regional stakeholders’ meeting organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Out-of-School Children for Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Oyo States.
Aderiye who stressed the resolve of the State Government to collaborate with Development partners including donour country governments, World Bank and other Regional Development banks, United Nations agencies as well as individuals and corporate organizations, said that the target is to provide opportunity and ensure that all and sundry acquire quality education regardless of their background or circumstances.
Dr. Aderiye said that the work plan would be further fine-tuned within a week for implementation to advance the achievements of the State in the sector.
She reiterated the commitment of Governor Oyebanji administration to ensuring that all school age children are in school and those who had dropped out will be integrated back to school.
“The State Government has also commenced an educational scheme known as the 2nd Chance Education Scheme aimed at providing opportunities for girls who dropped out of school as a result of varied factors ranging from socio-economic factors to adolescent pregnancy etcetera. The programme is scheduled to begin in 20 centres across the state in September 2024.”
Aderiye said that “apart from recruiting both Primary and Secondary Schools teachers, the State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and TY Danjuma trained teachers in the State on digital skills and remote learning. Old buildings in schools were renovated, toilet facilities provided while computers and interactive boards were supplied to schools to facilitate e-teaching/learning.
“List of the vulnerable and children at risk was generated and provided with the basic needs including school uniforms, school bags, books and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) were made to parents of the indigent students.
The Commissioner however assured that the State Government would not relent efforts and would continue to collaborate with interested development partners not only to sustain the level of achievement so far but also improve on it and ensure there is no relapse.Aderiye said the State Government intends to intensify on stakeholders’ advocacy and support network to help address early warning systems for adolescents at the risk of dropping out of school and leading factors causing drop out of school.
She highlighted Government’s interventions in the education sector to include a free and compulsory education policy up to Senior Secondary School level, payment of running grants to all Primary and Secondary Schools and Technical Colleges, payment of WAEC fees and administrative charges for students in public schools and purchase of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for eligible students.
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