The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has donated about 200 school bags to Makoko community school children in Lagos.
This according to UNICEF is to complement the Project Zero initiative towards ensuring access to basic education for indigent children in the state.
The Social Policy Manager of UNICEF, Lagos, Mr. Mohammad Okorie explained that it is a promise fulfilled by the Deputy Secretary General of UNICEF during her visit to the community.
Mohammed expressed that the provision of school supplies is in line with the convention of the right of a child and the Sustainable Development Goals which doted on Quality Basic Education and partnership, adding that it has prompted the United Nations to aid the effort of the government in addressing the menace of out of school children.
He however applauded the state government’s Project Zero initiative, which has in many ways helped children access primary education without barriers and has also retained them in schools.
The Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King noted that the donation is part of the board’s efforts to form alliances and collaboration with international and private partners in ensuring that every child has access to quality and equitable primary education in the state.
He said, “It is in line with our commitment to ensure that underprivileged children that are out of the learning environment, return to school with necessary items such as; school bags, uniforms, socks, sandals, and notebooks with available resources and facilities for teaching and learning.”
He added that the gesture is part of the board’s resolve to mobilize and galvanize out-of-school and not in-school children to return to school.
Dominica Nwabufo
