The Katsina State Government, on Tuesday, distributed wheelchairs and learning kits to at least 500 out-of-school children in the state.
In a speech at the launch of the distribution of the items in Katsina, Gov. Dikko Radda said the gesture aimed towards reducing the out-of-school children, and increasing school enrollment.
Radda, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir, said that the event affirmed his administration’s commitment to education and the wellbeing of children in the state.
He said: “From the outset of this administration, we made it clear that the education of our children will remain a top priority.
“We believe that no society can progress without investing in its young people, and no child should be denied access to learning because of poverty or circumstance.
“Education and the wellbeing of our children are indeed the main concern of this government.
“Today’s event, where 500 pupils are being taken back to school, is part of our ongoing efforts to make education accessible and inclusive.”
The governor said that the kits being distributed, which included uniforms, sandals and essential writing materials, are intended to encourage regular school attendance and boost the confidence of the pupils as they return to the classroom.
He also said that the Department of Girl Children Education and Child Development in charge of the distribution was also extending support to the school for the blind, through the provision of writing materials, ensuring that education remains truly inclusive in the state.
“This initiative builds upon earlier successes recorded by the department, including the enrollment of 1,395 children into formal education in 2024, in collaboration with UNICEF.
“These achievements reflect the values of our administration, compassion, inclusion and opportunity for all.
“We will continue to invest in policies and programmes that promote learning, protect children and support teachers in delivering quality education,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl Child Education, Hajiya Jamila Abdu-Mani, said the event “marked another milestone in our collective effort to ensure that every child in the state had access to education.
“The distribution of the learning materials aims to support the children’s learning journey and ease the financial burden on their families.
“We’re also distributing materials to Kasina State School for the Blind, in line with our commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunity for all learners.
“This programme builds upon the remarkable progress our department has made in the past year, especially the enrollment of 1,395 out-of-school, achieved due to the political will of Gov. Radda.
“Education is the most powerful tool we can give our children to break the cycle of poverty and scale their dignity,” Abdu-Mani said. (NAN)
