Polish Aid in Nigeria – official opening of the school for Almajiri children in Kaduna state
03.12.2021
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abuja in cooperation with the Nigerian non-governmental organization Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI) has completed a development project financed under the Polish Aid program, which is a response to the challenges of the reform of the Almajiri educational system. The new school was officially opened on November 23 this year.
The school is a spacious building with three classrooms and a room for teachers. As part of the project, toilets for girls and boys were also built, and the school was equipped with its own deep well with an electric pump. The local community was involved in the implementation of the project, lending land for the construction, and the state authorities hired teachers and purchased furniture for the school. The new school will provide safe education for around 150 Almajiri children, who will be able to stay under the care of their families while they receive both Koranic and general education.
During the ceremony of handing over the school to the local community, the director of ACRI, Joshua Arogunyo, read a letter from the Polish Ambassador, Joanna Tarnawska, addressed to the gathered guests. Ambassador Tarnawska emphasized the key role of education in the life of every child, as well as its impact on the development of society and the nation. The Kaduna State Authority was represented by Alh. Tijani Abdullahi, executive chariman of Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KSUBEB), Mohammed Rabiu Idris, head/desk officer for Almajiri Education, Aishatu Sani, Education Commissioner Representative, and Saleh Ahmed, head of Kamfani district. The ceremony was attended by parents and future students of the school. The media was present, reports of the event can be found here:
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/education-a-tool-every-child-needs-polish-ambassador/
https://quicknews-africa.net/polish-embassy-ngo-donate-school-to-almajiri-in-kaduna-community/
https://dailynews24.ng/polish-embassy-ngo-donate-school-to-almajiri-in-kaduna-community/?amp=1
https://newsdiaryonline.com/polish-embassy-ngo-donate-school-to-almajiri-in-kaduna-community/
Almajiri is an Islamic education system practiced in Northern Nigeria. The word "Almajiri" comes from the Arabic "Al muhajirun" and means an emigrant. Usually it refers to a person who migrates from his home in search of knowledge of Islam. The Almajiri school system was created as a response to the search for knowledge, mainly by children living in rural areas, without access to schools in the place of residence. Over the years, however, Almajiri schools have faced a number of challenges. State authorities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations agree that at present the Almajiri children are exposed to great risks (begging, forced labor, sexual abuse, lack of medical care) and their rights are not respected (the right to a dignified life, education and parental care). Everyone agrees that children must remain under the care of their parents and receive education (both universal and Koranic) where they live. The long-term solution to the problem of Almajiri children seems to be, among others, ensuring the effective integration of the Almajiri system with primary schools, teaching general subjects in English, keeping children under the constant care of their parents at their place of residence, as well as involving parents and the local community in this process.
Please view photos from the school opening ceremony.
