The Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, United Nations Children’s Fund, Phuong Nguyen has said improved infrastructure in schools will help prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 disease and enable children learn in a safer environment.
She said this in Maiduguri on Thursday during the handing over of 48 reconstructed classrooms and 24 toilets funded by the European Union to the state government.
Nguyen who noted that the new facilities would directly benefit 6,000 children and 58 teachers, added that the project was part of a three-year intervention funded by the European Union to benefit 50,000 children and 25,000 youths across the state.
“With this intervention, thousands of children in Hawul, Jere, Monguno, Gwoza, Damasak and MMC local government areas of Borno will learn in conducive classrooms with standard furniture and latrines fitted with adequate sanitation facilities.
This intervention will reduce overpopulation in classrooms, support the retention of children in school and help prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
“UNICEF, with the support of the EU and our implementing partners, will continue to invest in education and empower communities to support education services. This is important as education is a lifeline for children and a pathway to peace and economic prosperity for families and societies,’’ she said.
The Borno State Deputy Governor, who cut the symbolic tape at the event urged development partner working in the state to invest more in the psychosocial support of children and teachers.
According to him, psychosocial support for children and teachers who have been affected by conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to better learning outcomes.
In his remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Alhaji Mustapha Gubio said the project would help in reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
He further called on the State Universal Basic Education Board to ensure that the facilities are well-maintained to advance the cause of education.
