The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, has launched an ambitious education support program targeting 1,500 out-of-school children across the state.
The event, held at the headquarters of the Gwagware Foundation, points to the government’s dedication to addressing educational challenges and supporting vulnerable members of society.
Governor Radda, who is also the founder of the Gwagware Foundation, emphasized the importance of philanthropy in societal development.
“It has become imperative for all able personalities to sacrifice part of their wealth in supporting the needy,” the Governor stated.
“This is the surest way that would save our society from calamities, as Almighty Allah accepts all sacrifices made for His sake.”
The education support program, dubbed the “Back to School Program,” provides comprehensive assistance to beneficiaries, including school uniforms, writing materials, and monetary support to mothers for establishing small-scale businesses to sustain their children’s education.
The Chairman of the Gwagware Foundation, Alhaji Yusuf Ali Musawa, detailed the foundation’s approach to humanitarian activities.
“Gwagware Foundation is carrying out its humanitarian activities with donations collected from individuals and corporate organizations,” he explained.
Musawa highlighted that the foundation’s efforts extend beyond education, encompassing empowerment support for women and youth to establish various businesses.
In an innovative approach to sustainable development, each child in the program will receive three economic tree seedlings to plant.
This initiative aims to generate future income and address environmental challenges simultaneously.
The event featured insights from key stakeholders in the education sector, including the former Executive Director of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, Engineer Muttaka Rabe Darma who presented statistics on out-of-school children in the state and analyzed the underlying causes.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, discussed the program’s performance, benefits, and achievements. He announced a significant donation of 10,000 school bags containing uniforms, exercise books, and Abayas for girls.
On his part, the State Coordinator of ACreSal, Alhaji Haliru Mohamed pledged the donation of economic tree seedlings for all participating children.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the state Basic Education Board SUBEB Dr Kabir Magaji lauded the Gwagware Foundation for supporting 1,500 out of school children.
He observed that the gesture would encourage and retain the children to pursue their education and reiterated the boards commitment to support such laudable ventures.
Before presenting the educational materials to beneficiaries, Governor Radda expressed his appreciation for the foundation’s leadership, praising their judicious handling of entrusted funds. He encouraged the beneficiary children to attend school regularly, stating, “You are the future leaders of pride for our state and nation.”
The Governor assured the public that the Gwagware Foundation would continue its humanitarian services, supporting orphans, vulnerable individuals, and the elderly across Katsina State.
This initiative represents a significant step in Katsina State’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and alleviate poverty through education and empowerment.
