LEAVING NO CHILD BEHIND: SCI ENROLLS OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN 27 KADUNA COMMUNITIES
From April 24 to May 2, 2025, Save the Children International (SCI), in partnership with the Project Management Unit, led a large-scale pre-enrollment and enrollment exercise across 27 communities in 9 LGAs of Kaduna State. This initiative, under the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) of the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project, aimed to identify and enroll eligible out-of-school children (OOSC) for accelerated learning opportunities.
A total of 45 trained facilitators were deployed to conduct mapping and placement tests, beginning with courtesy visits to traditional leaders to gain community support. The process uncovered significant discrepancies in existing OOSC data, leading to a second round of re-mapping to ensure accuracy. Notably, the exercise identified seven children with disabilities—six from Kagadama and one from Kauran Dawa—ensuring inclusivity in enrollment.
Despite facing challenges such as poor data quality, community engagement gaps, and disruptions at school venues, the team successfully completed the enrollment. Field facilitators were closely supervised and supported throughout the process.
SCI has since recommended stronger communication protocols, use of neutral venues for activities, and consistent engagement with local leadership. These steps aim to improve future efforts and sustain progress made in reaching vulnerable children.
This initiative demonstrates the importance of data accuracy, community collaboration, and responsive field strategies in addressing educational gaps. Through dedicated efforts, SCI continues to pave the way for inclusive education, ensuring that no child is left behind in Kaduna State.