In a small town in northeast Nigeria, a young girl named Fatima Ibrahim has defied the odds and embraced the power of education. 10-year-old Fatima, who belongs to the minority Kanuri ethnic group, faced numerous challenges when it came to accessing education due to language barriers and financial constraints. However, her life took a positive turn when she enrolled in the Kanuri Arithmetic Reading Initiative (KARI) programme.
The KARI programme, launched by UNICEF in collaboration with the Yobe State Government, aims to provide inclusive education for children from minority groups who only speak the Kanuri language. The programme allows children to learn in their mother tongue before transitioning to other languages.
For Fatima, this meant learning in Kanuri, a language she was familiar and comfortable with. Fatima’s parents initially had reservations about sending her to school, as they did not see the value in it and could not afford private schooling. However, when they learned about the KARI programme and its focus on teaching children in their mother tongue, they eagerly enrolled Fatima in Central Primary School, one of the 12 schools where the KARI programme is being implemented.
At first, Fatima faced difficulties reading and writing in Kanuri. However, with the help of KARI’s innovative teaching methods, such as flashcards, songs, and paired reading, she quickly improved her literacy skills. The engaging and enjoyable activities motivated her to attend school regularly, and she has not missed a single class since. Fatima’s success story has not only inspired her parents but also her community. Her younger brother has also been enrolled in school because of the KARI programme, and her mother hopes that they can set an example for their younger siblings.
“I feel great learning in Kanuri language. It is not stressful at all. All the lessons have songs, and I enjoy the songs so much.”
The KARI program, funded by the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) project of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), has brought hope and opportunities to children like Fatima who would have otherwise been left behind. It emphasises the importance of teaching children in their mother tongue, as it not only helps them learn faster but also preserves their cultural identity.
“Fatima’s story illustrates the power of allowing children to learn in their own language. This evidence-based and highly effective intervention is allowing Fatima and thousands of children like her to enjoy the benefits of education properly for the first time. The UK is proud to have funded, through UNICEF, the training of nearly 4000 teachers across Borno and Yobe, who in turn have reached over 140,000 children, including 20,000 children with disabilities. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that, like Fatima, every child receives quality basic education, in Nigeria and around the world.”
James O’Donoghue, FCDO Education Adviser at the British High Commission, Abuja
Fatima’s teacher, Mallam Alhaji, believes that every child deserves access to quality education. He praises the transformative power of education, as according to him, “Fatima went from being denied the opportunity to attend school to becoming a confident and proficient student who loves learning.” He urges everyone to support programmes like KARI and FCDO PLANE that make education accessible to all children and help them build a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Fatima’s story serves as a reminder that with the right resources and opportunities, every child can succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of young individuals who strive for a better future through education.
