Early childhood education can be seen as a way forward in reducing out-of-school children, street begging, and the Almajiri phenomenon, particularly among impoverished boys in northern Nigeria.
A retired civil servant in Kebbi State and founder of the Almajiri Support Initiative of Nigeria, Comrade Shehu Umar, disclosed this in an interview with a Radio Nigeria correspondent in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the centre was established 20 years ago to transform the lives of the younger generation, especially Almajiri children, by providing access to Western and Islamic education, as well as skills acquisition training to tackle youth unemployment and harness human potential.
According to him, the centre caters for Almajiris of all categories, including the deaf, dumb, blind, physically challenged, and those affected by leprosy, providing them with full training in various skills to enable them to stand on their feet.
These include weaving, tailoring, welding, handset and computer repairs, and cosmetology, among others.
He added that the centre provides lunch to every participant daily.
Comrade Umar said the initiative is also aimed at supporting government efforts to end the menace of Almajiranci, street begging, and hawking by enabling these children to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
He called on governments at all levels, wealthy individuals, and organisations to support the centre in achieving its objectives.
According to him, the children were also taught reading, writing, and arithmetic to equip them with basic knowledge before proceeding to formal classes.
Some of the volunteer teachers at the centre advocated for government support to motivate them to teach effectively, noting that they also run adult literacy classes for both men and women.
Some of the trainees at the centre spoke to Radio Nigeria about their experiences, commended the efforts of the founder, and promised to use the opportunity judiciously and pass on the knowledge to others.
They also called on the government to support them in furthering their studies.
COV/ SANI DUTSINMA
