Plan International, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry for Religious Affairs, has commenced the distribution of sanitary and educational supplies to 40 formal and informal schools in Sokoto State.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative held at the State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency, Sokoto, Aspire Project Manager of Plan International, Murtala Bello, explained that it is part of the Aspire Project being implemented in Bauchi and Sokoto States.
According to him, the intervention demonstrates the organization’s commitment to supporting the education sector and reducing the number of out-of-school children in Sokoto.
Bello revealed that an assessment carried out in more than 100 schools last year led to the identification of several institutions in need, including Government Day Secondary School, Moreh, and AA Raji Special School, among others.
He added that 199 school health clubs have also been established across the state to promote hygiene practices and provide essential learning materials.
“The items will be distributed across 40 formal and informal schools in the state,” Bello stated, noting that the gesture is meant to complement government efforts in providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Education Policy and Implementation Unit of the Ministry, Abdullahi Altine Durbawa, commended Plan International for its consistent support to the education sector. On behalf of the state government, he applauded the organization’s commitment to improving education, particularly for adolescent girls.
He emphasized that the intervention aligns with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s nine-point agenda and supports the state government’s drive to ensure quality education and a conducive learning environment for every child.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Maihula, represented by Dr. Sani Labaran, also acknowledged Plan International’s long-standing partnership with the state in education and health. He urged beneficiaries to use the items effectively, stressing that they are of high quality and targeted at improving hygiene and sanitation.
Similarly, the Director of the Agency, Pharmacist Ghazali Attahiru Gwadabawa, appreciated the organization for complementing government initiatives through various development projects.
Items distributed include 1,380 rubber kettles, 71 dustbins, 44 first aid boxes, 27 notice boards, 350 desks, 57 water containers, 325 mats, 98 brooms, 19 whiteboards, 640 additional rubber kettles, and 120 poles/streetlights.
Other items include 852 handwashing soaps, 24 marker cleaners, and 148 detergents, among others.
