Early child education: EU supports three North-West states with €20m

The European Union voted for €20 million as support to United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) for implementation of Education and Youth Empowerment in Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto, as part effort to address Early Child Education (ECC).

This was disclosed by UNICEF Kano field office education officer, Mr Habeeb Saleh in his keynote address presented on technical capacity at the four-day capacity building training on Learning Lab Approach to Instructional Leadership Team (ILTs) at Tashir Gust Palace in Dutse.

Mr Habeeb Saleh explained that “Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the UNICEF Kano Field Office had organizing a four-day capacity building training to the members of the state’s, Instructional Leadership Team (ILTs) on the new introduced the Learning Lab Approach for effective Implementation a solid foundation for Literacy and Numeracy of Early Childcare (ECC)”.

The UNICEF education officer said the project is the purpose of Learning Lab is to equip the school leaders, teachers, and stakeholders with the necessary skills and tools to effectively implement foundational Literacy and Numeracy as well as Early Childcare (ECC) in their respective schools, fostering improved learning outcomes.

He maintained that “the European Union distribution €20 million supporting the programme implementing by UNICEF for four years starting from September 2023 to August 2027. 1.2 million learners, 5,000 teachers, 150 Education officials and 5,400 community members are targeted to benefits with the projects”.

Mr Habeeb Saleh explained that “the European Union (EU) founding the education and Youth Empowerment in the northwest aim at to increase the number of girls and boys benefiting from safe, inclusive, relevant learning and skills development opportunities in Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto states”

According to him “the the project is implementing 30 local government areas in the three states and the federation, 10 in each of the local area”.

He stated further; “State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) seeks UNICEF Kano Field Office to organize a four-day capacity building training on the Learning Lab Approach. The training aims to enhance the capacity of Instructional Leadership Team (ILTs) members to the implementation Learning Lab Approach in teaching foundational Literacy, Numeracy, and Early Childcare (ECC) effectively across the 10 selected schools from Birnin Kudu, Hadejia and Kazaure local governments”.

Mr Saleh maintained that parts of the points to justify the training of ILT members include the Learning Lab Approach is a proven method of fostering teacher and school leader development through hands-on, reflective learning practices.

“The current challenges facing Jigawa schools, especially in foundational literacy and numeracy, underscore the need for capacity building at all levels of the education system, foundational, learning deficiencies, Data from school assessments indicate that many children are not reaching the desired proficiency in literacy and numeracy, which hinders their long-term academic success”.

The UNICEF added that the training will address the above gaps by equipping instructional leaders and school support teams with the necessary skills.
Strengthening Leadership and Support Structures: School leaders, instructional leadership teams, and support officers at both the state and LGA levels require targeted professional development to effectively coach and mentor teachers in implementing evidence-based practices that lead to improved learning outcomes.
Community and Stakeholder Involvement: SBMCs and PTA members play a vital role in fostering a supportive learning environment. Engaging these groups through capacity building will promote better school-community partnerships and ensure accountability in monitoring learning outcomes.

The Learning Lab Approach is a proven method of fostering teacher and school leader development through hands-on, reflective learning practices. The current challenges facing Jigawa State schools, especially in foundational literacy and numeracy, underscore the need for capacity building at all levels of the education system.

He noted that the objectives are to enhance instructional leadership by equipping ILT members at the state and LGA levels with skills and knowledge to guide and support schools in improving literacy, numeracy, and early childhood care practices, strengthen capacity of school leaders (Headteachers, SSOs, and SSITs) in implementing effective teaching practices aligned with the Learning Lab Approach, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, Foster a collaborative support system between the various stakeholders, including LGEAs, SSOs, SBMCs, and PTA representatives, to ensure a sustainable approach to improving learning outcomes etc.

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