Reducing out-of-school Children

Back to School

BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT DOCUMENTARY

Introduction

Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. However, many children in rural and underserved communities lack access to quality education due to financial constraints. In response to this challenge, the Back2School Project was launched in 2023 by the Slums and Rural Aid for African Child Development Initiative (SARAFACDI). The initiative was inspired by the personal experiences of Blessing Tunde Dada, the team leader, who overcame significant financial barriers, including periods of school dropout. His determination to make education accessible to all children is the driving force behind this project. The first phase of the project was implemented in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, focusing on providing essential educational materials to children in need, thereby encouraging school attendance and improving the overall learning environment.

This report highlights the activities, achievements, challenges, and future plans of the Back2School Project.

Project Objectives

The Back2School Project was designed to:

Bridge the gap in access to education for children in underserved communities.
Provide essential educational materials such as school uniforms, bags, books, and writing materials.
Foster a supportive learning environment where children feel motivated to stay in school and succeed.

The pilot phase of the project specifically targeted schools and households in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with the aim of reaching as many children as possible.

Activities Conducted

1 Community Outreach and Engagement

To ensure the project effectively met the needs of the community, the SARAFACDI team, led by Blessing Tunde Dada, worked closely with local stakeholders, including:

✔ School administrators and teachers—to identify students in need.
✔ Parents and guardians—to understand household challenges affecting education.
✔ Community leaders and volunteers—to facilitate smooth execution and foster local support.

A community tour was conducted to assess the educational needs of children and ensure a targeted approach in resource distribution.

2 Distribution of Educational Materials

To reduce financial barriers and encourage school retention, the following materials were distributed:
🎒 School bags and uniforms—ensuring students have proper learning attire.
📚 Books and Writing Materials: Providing essential learning tools for effective education.
🏡 Door-to-Door Distribution: Reaching vulnerable children directly in their homes.

3 Beneficiary Schools

The following schools received direct support from the Back2School Project:

St. Stephen’s Primary School
Ifemayowa Model School
St. James’ CAC Nursery and Primary School
St peter Nursery and Primafry school

These schools were identified based on need assessment and collaboration with local educational authorities.

Impact and Outcomes

The inaugural phase of the Back2School Project had a significant positive impact:

4.1 Increased Access to Education

✅ Over 4000 children received school supplies, reducing financial constraints and promoting school attendance.

4.2 Strengthened Community Support

✅ Parents, teachers, and volunteers actively participated in the project, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for education.

4.3 Improved Learning Environment

✅ The provision of new uniforms, books, and learning materials boosted children’s morale and engagement in school activities.

4.4 Inspiration for Future Expansion

✅ The project’s success has created a foundation for scaling up efforts to other rural and underserved communities.

5. Challenges and Lessons Learned

5.1 Challenges

Despite its success, the project encountered several challenges:
Resource Constraints: The demand for school materials exceeded the available resources.
Logistical Difficulties: Reaching remote households and ensuring equitable distribution required additional time and effort.

5.2 Lessons Learned

From this experience, key lessons include:
✔ Conducting detailed needs assessments before project implementation to improve planning and resource allocation.
✔ strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, including government agencies, private organisations, and NGOs, to enhance sustainability and reach.

Conclusion

The Back2School Project has demonstrated the transformative power of education and the importance of community-driven initiatives in bridging the educational gap for underserved children.

Future Plans

SARAFACDI is committed to expanding the project and reaching more children across Nigeria by:

Scaling up to additional rural communities to support more children.
Collaborating with government agencies and private sector partners to secure additional resources.
Establishing mentorship programs to provide long-term support for beneficiaries.

By sustaining these efforts, SARAFACDI aims to empower children with education, inspire their dreams, and create a brighter future for all.