Mixed Observers Team Enrols Almajiri Children in Schools, Provides Learning Materials in Lapai

The Mixed Observers Team (MOT), an NGO operating in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has enrolled selected Almajiri and less-privileged children in nearby primary schools as part of efforts to improve access to formal education.

The initiative, which seeks to support children unable to attend school because of financial difficulties, also provided beneficiaries with school uniforms, bags, books, pencils, sandals and socks.

Speaking during the exercise, Abigail Labesa, Esq., Chairperson of the Mixed Observers Team in Lapai, said the organisation identifies challenges affecting communities and works toward addressing them through community-based interventions.

Labesa, who also described herself as an advocate for gender-based violence prevention, said the team observed that a number of children in Lapai were not attending school due to financial constraints.

She said the organisation subsequently identified some Almajiri children and enrolled them in primary schools located close to their communities to make access to education easier.

Labesa urged parents and guardians of the beneficiaries to support their children's education and encourage them to remain in school.

Also speaking, Her Worship Safura Abdul Kareem stressed the importance of investing in children's welfare and education, describing them as an important part of the country's future.

She appealed to individuals and relevant authorities in Lapai, including the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Evuti, and Niger State Commissioner Hon. Mu’azu Hamidu Jantabo, to support the initiative so that the organisation can expand its intervention.

In an interview, Sadeeq Gbedus explained that the Mixed Observers Team comprises teachers, lawyers and community development volunteers working to address social challenges within communities.

He acknowledged Hon. Muawiyyah Yusuf Muye for providing exercise books used alongside the other educational materials distributed to the beneficiaries.

Gbedus also called on community members and other stakeholders to support the organisation's efforts to enable it to reach more children.

The Secretary of the Lapai chapter of the physically challenged persons' association also expressed appreciation to the team for the intervention.

The organisation called for continued community and institutional support for initiatives aimed at improving children's access to education in Lapai Local Government Area.