COMMUNITY ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENTS IN SABON GARI AND SOBA LGA - MARCH 2025
Between March 25th and 28th, 2025, Save the Children along with the ROOSC Project Management Unit (PMU) carried out community advocacy visit across 13 communities in Sabon Gari and Soba Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zaria, Kaduna. The aim was to assess educational challenges and deepen community engagement to improve access to inclusive and quality education.
Day One – March 25th (Hayin Gada, Anguwan Makera, Bauda – Sabon Gari LGA)
In Hayin Gada, the turnout was impressive, with notable participation from youth and women. The Zumunta youth group, though unregistered, contributes educational materials and promotes parental involvement. The local school has 259 pupils and six teachers. In Anguwan Makera, the school is in disrepair, forcing classes to be held in homes. Parents raised concerns about lack of partner support in children’s education. The school operates with just five male teachers. Bauda’s engagement was separated by gender due to cultural norms. Mothers expressed deep frustration over unfulfilled promises and a poor learning environment, highlighting the need for renewed trust and support.
Day Two – March 26th (Anguwan Makeri, Dupa Dupa, Hayin Dogo/Samaru – Sabon Gari LGA)
In Anguwan Makeri, both men and women participated. The SBMC chairman was praised for his personal contributions to the school, which has 392 pupils and six teachers. In Dupa Dupa, both Muslim and Christian residents united for the session. Discussions focused on school renovation and WASH needs. The school accommodates 709 pupils. Hayin Dogo/Samaru school, set for renovation, urgently needs classroom repairs and WASH upgrades. Security concerns were raised, and the formation of a community committee was proposed. The school has 2,239 pupils and 35 teachers.
Day Three – March 27th (Yelwan Sarki, Lungu, Tudun Wada – Soba LGA)
In Yelwan Sarki, turnout was low, especially among women, though the men actively engaged and praised their headteacher. Lungu’s school, needing rehabilitation and fencing, is overcrowded with 1,786 pupils and 15 teachers. Tudun Wada lacks a school entirely, severely limiting education access. Women showed strong commitment to inclusive education, especially for children with disabilities.
Day Four – March 28th (Farin Kasa, Richifa, Rahama, Marmara – Soba LGA)
In Farin Kasa, men pledged full support and highlighted youth volunteering as informal teachers due to the absence of trained educators. Richifa saw high male participation, but women were uninformed and thus absent. Rahama’s school is in such poor condition that it shuts down during the rainy season. Marmara also suffered from poor communication, resulting in no prior notice to residents.