CATAI and CASFOD Donate N10 Million to Borno for School Uniforms for Flood-Affected Children

 A coalition of non-governmental organizations, the Center for Advocacy, Transparency & Accountability Initiative (CATAI) and the Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD), has donated N10,000,020 to the Borno State Government. This donation aims to provide school uniforms for children affected by the recent floods in Jere and Maiduguri.

The presentation ceremony took place in Maiduguri, led by CATAI's Executive Director, Abubakar Sadiq Muazu, alongside CASFOD’s Executive Director, Benjamin John. They handed the cheque to the State Commissioner for Education, Science Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.

Muazu expressed condolences to the flood victims and highlighted the overwhelming impact of the disaster, particularly on the educational sector. He noted that both NGOs are members of the Education in Emergency (EiE) Sector Group, which focuses on ensuring access to quality education and safe learning environments for all school-aged children.

In addition to the financial donation, CATAI and CASFOD plan to provide 700 school bags and books to support student retention in the affected areas. Muazu emphasized that this strategic intervention would alleviate the financial burden on parents and enhance school enrollment.

Benjamin John of CASFOD recognized the challenges families face in the aftermath of the floods and urged the government to implement measures that would protect schools from future disasters. He reaffirmed the EiE sector group's commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Education to ensure all children have access to quality education.

Responding to the donation, Commissioner Wakilbe acknowledged the significant setbacks the flood disaster has caused to educational calendars. He mentioned the initiation of a damage assessment to quickly restore destroyed school infrastructure, allowing children to return to classrooms promptly.

Wakilbe highlighted that many affected children are currently without uniforms or writing materials. He detailed the extensive destruction, noting that much of the debris collected consisted of dissolved paper from textbooks and exercise books, as well as clothing, including school uniforms.

The timely donations will provide much-needed support to over 400,000 children, ensuring their education continues despite their challenging circumstances.