A new €1 million education intervention funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF is set to return more than 20,000 conflict-affected children in Sokoto State to school over the next two years.
The initiative, backed by the European Union’s humanitarian aid arm (ECHO), focuses on children aged 5 to 17 living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities, where insecurity has significantly disrupted access to education.
According to UNICEF, the programme is designed not only to restore access to learning but also to reinforce the resilience of the education system against future crises.
Focus on Enrolment and Accelerated Learning
A central component of the intervention is community-driven enrolment campaigns aimed at identifying and registering out-of-school children across affected areas.
Children who have missed extended periods of schooling will be enrolled in accelerated learning programmes, enabling them to bridge learning gaps and reintegrate into formal education alongside their peers.
For those already in school, targeted remediation support will be provided to improve foundational literacy and numeracy, particularly for learners impacted by trauma and displacement.
Safety, Wellbeing, and Learning Environment
Beyond academics, the programme places strong emphasis on child protection and wellbeing.
Measures will be introduced to promote safe school environments and protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
Efforts will also be made to upgrade school infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
In addition, WASH and environmental clubs will be established to encourage hygiene practices and foster healthier learning spaces.
Teacher Training and Psychosocial Support
Teachers will receive specialized training in basic pedagogy and crisis-sensitive teaching methods to better support children dealing with trauma, stress, and mental health challenges.
The intervention also includes mental health and psychosocial support services, alongside the creation of child-friendly spaces where children can learn, interact, and recover in a supportive environment.
Stakeholders Highlight Urgency
Speaking on the initiative, Alexandre Castellano, Head of the European Union’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Office in Nigeria, emphasized the long-term impact of disrupted education.
“No child should have their future determined by conflict. When learning stops, the consequences can last a lifetime,” he said.
UNICEF’s Nigeria Representative, Wafaa Saeed, described the programme as a critical response to the ongoing threat insecurity poses to education in Sokoto.
“This intervention will ensure that affected children can continue their education and build the life skills they need for a brighter future,” she stated.
Strengthening Emergency Education Systems
Over the 24-month implementation period, the initiative will also enhance coordination of Education in Emergencies at both state and local government levels.
This is expected to improve preparedness and ensure continuity of learning during future disruptions.
The partnership between the European Union and UNICEF underscores a broader commitment to safeguarding children’s right to education, regardless of conflict or displacement.
