…Says, “Hundreds displaced in Chikun, Kajuru LGAs”
…“Sometimes we sleep empty stomach” – IDP children
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A non-governmental organization (NGO), the ‘Dorcas Peter Umaru Foundation,’ has distributed educational materials to internally-displaced children in Maraban Rido and Kudensa, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The items distributed, which include books, erasers, pencils, pens and bags, are intended to support the education of 150 vulnerable internally-displaced students in the community.
In her speech, a Humanitarian and Convener for ‘Support the Child’s Education,’ Mrs Dorcas Peter, said “Education is the foundation of a brighter future for every child. Every child deserves good health, a safe environment, and access to education,” she stated.
“Insecurity, especially banditry activities in Chikun and Kajuru has displaced hundreds of women, men and children from farming communities of Talele, Kaso, Ungwan Rimi and Madaki now seeking refuse in Kudensa, Chikun LGA of the state,” she lamented.
She expressed her motivation for the initiative, highlighting the dire situation faced by children, who have lost their parents, been displaced from their homes, and are struggling to access education.
“The parents of these children cannot afford educational materials; they are struggling to provide food for them. If we do not support the education of these children now, what will their future hold?” Dorcas asked.
The IDP Camp Coordinator, Adams Suleiman, commended the donation, stating that it arrived at a crucial time when children were facing a shortage of writing materials in schools.
He added that some individuals volunteered to be teaching them twice, just to ensure that they are not left out of school.
“The intervention of the Dorcas Peter Umaru Foundation is truly helping. The children now have books, pencils, and pens that will greatly aid their education,” he said.
He appealed for more assistance, emphasizing the numerous challenges faced by the IDPs, including inadequate health centers, shelter, food shortages, and lack of quality education.
Suleiman called on the government to provide scholarships, establish schools, primary and create safe learning environments for the children and, as well addressed security challenges in affected areas for the IDPs to return back to their homes.
Some beneficiaries of the program, including 12-year-old Simon Micah, expressed their gratitude for the educational materials. Simon recounted how his community was attacked by kidnappers, leading to loss of lives and property, leaving them struggling to survive.
“We need help. Our parents are having a hard time providing food for us, and we still need assistance. We thank you for these books; they will help us significantly.
“I want to go back to village in Kaso. There I have people of mine with enough food to eat, school and good place to sleep; but here my parents have to farm for other people before we can eat; sometimes we will sleep like that without anything to eat.
“We want government and security operatives to help us so that we can go back to our communities to live happily,” he appealed.
The Dorcas Peter Umaru Foundation is urging individuals, organizations, and the government to support the education of vulnerable IDP students and provide them with the essential resources needed to build a brighter future.