A new classroom for Araromi
Donation protected
We are a group of British and Nigerian volunteers currently spending three months in Kwara, the most impoverished state in Nigeria. VSO have been working in Nigeria since 1960, and the charity implements strategies by liaising with locals and always keeping long-term impact and sustainability in mind.
The median age in Nigeria is 18, and 43% of the population are 0-14 years old, meaning that education is a highly salient issue. Alongside various other initiatives, VSO works with four schools in Kwara State; our subgroup is working with Araromi Junior Secondary School (for ages 10-15), which has the worst infrastructure out of the four. Araromi was established in 2014 - to account for the growing youth population, but also due to the genuine enthusiasm for education in this area. Pupils are talented and engaged, whilst teachers are motivated (despite many not having been paid their full wage in months) and effective at their jobs. However, an environment that can facilitate learning effectively is needed.
Currently, classes JSS1 and JSS2 share one small classroom. This means there are over 100 students in one room, with two teachers attempting to educate on entirely different topics. This is clearly not conducive to learning.
Araromi’s teachers, parents and pupils have managed to scrape together enough money to build a new classroom. However, their funds only just cover the four walls being erected. A door, windows and a roof still need to be funded, which will cost 850 GBP (any excess money raised will go towards flooring and painting).
VSO’s mission for this area broadly relates to improving education. The quality of teaching at Araromi cannot be faulted; the lack of adequate infrastructure is clearly the main obstacle to quality education. There are no toilets at this school - students have to use the bushes next to the building. Most benches and desks are broken. Classroom floors have numerous deep holes and cracks. There are many issues that, in total, are simply insurmountable for a team of six volunteers to solve in three months. But, by fundraising the money needed to finish this additional classroom, we can at least help to create an environment where students can hear the teacher and learn something.
Education is a powerful tool that can create desperately needed economic, social and political change in Nigeria. Making learning easier for the pupils at Araromi is a small step in the right direction, and we would be grateful for your support. Bear in mind that a small amount of money will go a long way when converted into Nigerian currency, so every penny helps.
The median age in Nigeria is 18, and 43% of the population are 0-14 years old, meaning that education is a highly salient issue. Alongside various other initiatives, VSO works with four schools in Kwara State; our subgroup is working with Araromi Junior Secondary School (for ages 10-15), which has the worst infrastructure out of the four. Araromi was established in 2014 - to account for the growing youth population, but also due to the genuine enthusiasm for education in this area. Pupils are talented and engaged, whilst teachers are motivated (despite many not having been paid their full wage in months) and effective at their jobs. However, an environment that can facilitate learning effectively is needed.
Currently, classes JSS1 and JSS2 share one small classroom. This means there are over 100 students in one room, with two teachers attempting to educate on entirely different topics. This is clearly not conducive to learning.
Araromi’s teachers, parents and pupils have managed to scrape together enough money to build a new classroom. However, their funds only just cover the four walls being erected. A door, windows and a roof still need to be funded, which will cost 850 GBP (any excess money raised will go towards flooring and painting).
VSO’s mission for this area broadly relates to improving education. The quality of teaching at Araromi cannot be faulted; the lack of adequate infrastructure is clearly the main obstacle to quality education. There are no toilets at this school - students have to use the bushes next to the building. Most benches and desks are broken. Classroom floors have numerous deep holes and cracks. There are many issues that, in total, are simply insurmountable for a team of six volunteers to solve in three months. But, by fundraising the money needed to finish this additional classroom, we can at least help to create an environment where students can hear the teacher and learn something.
Education is a powerful tool that can create desperately needed economic, social and political change in Nigeria. Making learning easier for the pupils at Araromi is a small step in the right direction, and we would be grateful for your support. Bear in mind that a small amount of money will go a long way when converted into Nigerian currency, so every penny helps.
Organizer and beneficiary
Charlotte Moss
Organizer
Matthew Carter
Beneficiary
