NGO Activities

From Abdul Ardo Two non-governmental organizations in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria, namely the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation of Nigeria (WCREFN) and the Muslim Peace Networks (MPN), have recently distributed a large number of Arabic learning aids to several Tsangaya Islamic schools. The aim of this initiative is to strengthen Islamic education among Almajiri schools in Kaduna. Barrister Maryam Abdu, the director of the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation of Nigeria, stated that the two organizations have collaborated to distribute study aids to Almajiri schools, with the goal of helping them improve their studies, similar to students in Western schools. The distribution included Arabic reading slates, inks, and pens, enabling many students to enhance their Arabic language skills, including reading, recitation, and writing. Barrister Maryam Abdu, the director of the Women & Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation of Nigeria, stated that the two organizations teamed up to distribute study aids to Almajiri schools in order to help them improve their studies, just like other students in Western schools. She emphasized that they provided Arabic reading slates, inks, and pens to many students, enabling them to enhance their learning in Arabic education, recitation, reading, and writing of Arabic words. Maryam pointed out that before the arrival of colonial masters, Qur’anic education was considered basic education in Northern Nigeria. However, after their arrival, Qur’anic education was downplayed, and Western education became more important. As a result, the system suffered, funding and support ceased, and the children transitioned from seekers of Qur’anic knowledge to the Almajirai we see on the streets today, begging for food because their Mallams cannot feed them. She added that the two organizations aim to find a way to improve the standards of Almajiri education and the school system as a whole. The distribution of these materials took place today as Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate the arrival of the new Islamic Year, known as Muharram. It also coincides with the upcoming International Friendship Day on July 30, 2023. Similarly, Imam Husain, the director of Muslim Peace Networks in Kaduna, stressed the need to strengthen peace and unity in the state. He emphasized the importance of Arabic education and the necessity of providing students with the tools to acquire sound knowledge. According to him, there is a need for inclusive education for all children across the 23 local governments of the state, regardless of tribe, culture, religion, or historical background. The provision of reading and writing aids to Almajiri schools aims to empower them with additional learning materials to improve the standard of their Arabic education. The significance of educating these children with learning aids cannot be overstated, and therefore, all stakeholders are called upon to support this cause within their capacity. Alaramma Saliyu Muhammad, the Chairman of the Association of Tsangaya Schools in Kaduna South, expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement towards the education of their children. He appealed to the government and other stakeholders involved in Almajiri education to provide further learning materials. He also urged affluent individuals to come forward and assist the students with learning materials. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of Islamic education, including its role in promoting moral and ethical values, encouraging critical thinking, fostering community and social relations, combating extremism and terrorism, providing professional skills, preparing students for higher education, and promoting cultural awareness and appreciation. He called on the Ministry of Education and stakeholders involved in Tsangaya education to enhance the standards of education in this field. Culled from: https://abcnewsng.com/2023/07/18/almajiri-education-an-ngo-comes-to-the-rescue/

By Sani Idris An NGO, Women and Children’s Rights Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), on Friday sensitised persons with disabilities (PWDs) on the impacts of drug abuse, gender-based violence and COVID-19 on metal and psychological health. WCREF Executive Director, Mrs Maryam Abdu, said at the sensitisation programme in Kaduna that PWDs were sensitive to policies and issues concerning the society, even if they were being marginalised and discriminated against. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the one- day sensitisation was in collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Cyrus Centre for Human Rights Education. 1 day Sensitization WCREF Foundation sensitises PWDs on drug abuse, gender-based violence Abdu said that it was not proper to sensitise children, women and youths on COVID-19, GBV and drug use and neglect PWDs in such a programme that could also impact positively on them. “People don’t specifically talk about PWDs. There are lots of people facing problems of gender-based violence, drug abuse and COVID-19 and PWDs are also part of them. “This made us to concentrate the sensitisation on PWDs so as to know their problems and guide them on how to address them,’’ she said. The WCREF boss called on Nigerians to be considerate and helpful on issues affecting PWDs in order to give them sense of belonging and uphold COVID-19 protocols, to stay healthy and safe. A Counsellor from NDLEA, Mrs Fatima Abiola, said that stigmatising people could lead to isolation, drug abuse and sometimes suicide. Abiola noted that illegal and misuse of drugs could also lead to social, physical and economic retrogression, thereby affecting individual progress and that of the nation’s labour force. She stressed that the societal stigma on PWDs had made it more problematic for them, as they sometimes engaged in drug abuse, thus compounding their problems. “The fact that PWDs are stigmatised in the society is not a reason for them to engage in drugs or feel they are less humans. There is ability in disability,” she said. Abiola urged the public to shun drug abuse, adding that NDLEA would continue to carry out its enlightenment programme on how to cope with stigmatisation and other pressures from the society. Also, Mr Rilwan Muhammad, President, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, said that the sensitisation would serve as a reminder to PWDs that engaging in drugs would not solve their problems. Muhammad, also participant in the programme, called on government and other stakeholders to take the sensitisation to the grassroots. “There are lots of our members at the grassroots who are engaging in drug abuse. They need to be sensitised too. It is very important because, at some point, the societal stigma may lead to suicide,” Muhammad said. He urged the government to fast track the implementation of the National Disability Act. “If the act is implemented properly, 70 to 80 per cent of our problems will be solved. We will not have cause to cry as a result of stigmatisation, discrimination or other problems being faced in the society,” he said. Another participant, Mr Micah Shabi, said that stigmatisation against PWDs was an unfortunate and touching issue in Nigeria and Africa at large. Shabi appealed to the public to uphold the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, stressing “all human beings are equal in dignity.” (NAN)