ECHO renovates classrooms, supports 3,000 pupils in Yobe community

ECHO renovates classrooms, supports 3,000 pupils in Yobe community

The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has renovated classrooms and distributed learning materials to 3,000 children in Katarko and four other communities in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

Mr Iliya Joseph, Programme Manager of ECHO in Yobe, disclosed this during the handing-over of the facilities on Wednesday in Katarko to boost education in the insurgency-affected community.

Joseph said the project, which began in May 2024, aimed to address critical gaps in children’s education in areas devastated by Boko Haram insurgency.

He said Katarko was one of five communities implementing the project, which included classroom renovation, provision of desks, teachers’ tables, and other educational materials.

“So far, we have renovated 15 classrooms and supplied 225 three-seater desks, 15 teachers’ tables, and 3,040 learning kits for pupils,” he said.

He added that 993 children were currently enrolled in non-formal education centres, while 1,250 children had graduated and transitioned to formal schools in the area.

Joseph said the project sought to provide inclusive access to education and restore learning confidence among displaced and vulnerable children.

Ali Jajere, Education Secretary of Gujba Local Education Authority, commended ECHO for complementing the government’s effort to rebuild education in conflict-affected communities.

He said the renovation of classrooms, furniture supply, and learning materials would enhance the teaching and learning environment for children.

“I am very happy with this support because the insurgency destroyed many of our schools.

“ECHO’s intervention has restored hope to many families and children are eager to return to learning”, Jajere said.

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He appealed to national and international donors to support the ongoing recovery process and fill remaining infrastructural gaps in schools across Gujba.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Gana, Chairman of the Yobe State School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), thanked ECHO and Save the Children for their continued investment in education.

He urged them to extend similar interventions to other schools within and beyond Gujba Local Government Area.

Gana said community-based management structures had been set up to ensure regular supervision and maintenance of the renovated facilities.