In many underserved communities, educational resources such as conventional learning aids for schools are usually unavailable. This has posed a major challenge in the quality of education that learners can access, as well as their level of interest in learning. To address this challenge often caused by stretched budgets, thousands of passionate headteachers in Kano State, Nigeria, are creatively transforming low-cost materials such as thrifts, crates, plastics, cartons and cards into engaging teaching and learning aids, to improve the quality of education in the state.
This innovative movement which began during an Inclusive School Leadership activity, facilitated by PLANE (Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria), for a group of 30 master trainers, has now been embraced by 8,202 headteachers across 44 Local Government Areas in the state, drawing on the support of the NUT (Nigerian Union of Teachers) in the state as well as community members. The 30 master trainers, after learning about material creation, trained 440 school support officers and cascaded the training to basic school headteachers in the state. In preparation towards school resumption in September, the teachers created and distributed many improvised learning materials to various schools and have continued to spread the idea well after resumption.
Speaking on the initiative, one of the master trainers, Bashir Ibrahim Indabo said, “This transformative training has not only enriched my skills, it has fundamentally altered the way I perceive and approach education. Before this training, I often found myself struggling to find the right resources to engage my participants effectively. The limitations were disheartening, and I yearned for a way to bring vibrancy and interactivity into my session as a trainer.” Bashir Ibrahim Indabo.
To build on the gains of the activity, the Director of School Services at the State Universal Basic Education Board, in a meeting with the 44 zonal directors sensitised them on the need to mobilise additional instructional materials to enhance learning in the state. Communities have also rallied behind the cause, donating materials and offering support.
