With the introduction of Transformational Community Development (TCD) to the community, 245 children of school age in Alabu received a much-needed opportunity for primary education. Absalah, one of 22 champions who underwent TCD training in November 2022, went back to Alabu sometime in 2023 and facilitated an Education initiative for the Alabu community after he discovered that primary education for their children was one of their greatest needs.

Five years prior, two locals with primary school teaching certificates volunteered to start a nursery class and had about 30 of the youngest children, whom they began to teach the English alphabet and words. They were unable to hold classes consistently, and the efforts of the two volunteers did not yield as much fruit as anticipated.

Coming from TCD training and equipped with skills on how to help communities solve their challenges using local resources, engendering community participation and ownership, Absalah helped the locals to value education better and to upscale the meager nursery class into primary school grades one through seven, with children of varying ages in the respective classes. The 245 children currently enrolled are still without classrooms, with only 8 volunteer teachers doing their best to ensure that the children do not remain illiterate.

The community needs help to build classes so the children can have a roof over their heads. We also need help with finding more teachers and paying some stipends to these volunteer teachers who have labored tirelessly in Alabu Primary School. All said, there are still an estimated 2,000 children in Alabu who desire to be educated. With broken blackboards, no desks, and thatch roofs barely enough to shield them from the scorching sun, the children are doggedly having a bite at education, which is their right and not a privilege. TCD has just begun to change the previous narrative, and there is more to be done!

Thank you!

Written by Shade, GHNI Project Manager