A non-governmental organization, Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), has announced that over 6,000 children from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have benefited from its foundational skills development program across 13 camps in various states in Nigeria.
Mr. Gideon Olanrewaju, Executive Director of AREAi, revealed this during the launch of the organization’s 2023 Annual Report in Abuja, which carries the theme, “Transforming Education for Lifelong Learning.”
Olanrewaju also shared that AREAi has equipped over 400 girls with digital literacy skills through its Digital Skills Accelerator Programme.
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Describing AREAi as a non-profit entity, Olanrewaju emphasized that it designs and implements accelerated alternative educational programs for disadvantaged children, utilizing digital technologies.
He stated, “We work round four thematic areas ranging from digital learning to digital equity, girls education, teachers professional development foundation learning, which was founded in 2015.”
He elaborated that the organization has been active in 18 states across Nigeria, aiming to enhance access to and the quality of education for disadvantaged children in rural communities.
Highlighting the organization’s 2023 Annual Impact Report, Olanrewaju expressed satisfaction with the year’s unprecedented successes.
He noted, “It gives me great pride to present this summary report of AREAi’s impact in 2023, a year of unprecedented success in all ramifications.
“As I look back on that year, I feel a great sense of pride for the way in which the AREAi team has responded to one of the most unique and challenging crises in modern history – providing access to quality literacy and numeracy instruction to thousands of disadvantaged children across Nigeria.
“We have themed our report ‘Transforming Education for Lifelong Learning’ to mirror our organizational mission that translates our actions into meaningful learning for all.
“In 2023, strategic collaborations with entities like the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced People and Malala Fund have bolstered our efforts, enabling AREAi to support beneficiaries through community-based learning and innovative access to alternative education.
“This report showcases the power of innovation and collaboration, hoping to inspire widespread action to drive significant, impactful change for both people and the planet.
“The year 2023 ended on a high note as we also won the 2023 UNLEASH Rwanda Dragons’ Den Pitch for the Mastercard Foundation Social Impact Award.”
Olanrewaju also noted that AREAi has established a presence in the United Kingdom and the United States, adding that “effective from January 1st, 2025, we will have new officials who will be championing the operations of all our entities ranging from the USA to the UK.”
Responding to questions from the media, the Executive Director explained that an international organization provided funding support to AREAi, and a recent partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) aims to facilitate accelerated and informal educational opportunities for IDPs, refugees, and migrant children.
Edidiong Anthony Simeon, Director of Programmes, mentioned that AREAi has implemented its programs in eight IDP camps in Abuja and Nasarawa State, as well as in Borno and Benue States.
Simeon highlighted that the partnership with a government agency has expanded the organization’s scope of activities.
Olanrewaju further confirmed that these beneficiaries, primarily children, have been equipped with essential skills in four key areas: Literacy, Numeracy, 21st Century Life Skills, and the Digital Skills Accelerator (DSA)
