The European Union (EU) humanitarian development peace building
consultant, Kabiru Abass has said that the Federal Government and
stakeholders, are to support education emergencies with response to
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic, had significantly added to
challenges faced by already over-extended education system globally.
Abass made the call on Monday; to mark 2020 World Teachers’ Day in
Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
The global Teachers’ Day also provides the opportunity to celebrate
teachers with the theme: “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining
the future.”
He continued; “Today’s (Monday) event; is an occasion to celebrate
teachers, facilitators, instructors and the teaching profession
worldwide.
“It also allow us to take stock of achievements, and draw attention to
the voices of teachers.”
He noted that teachers are at the heart of efforts to attain the
global education target of leaving no one behind.
While lamenting pandemic on education; he said: “The COVID-19 has
significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended
education systems throughout the world.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and,
now more than ever before.”
He said governments and stakeholders; must work with teachers to
protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding
landscape brought about by the pandemic.
Abass explained that teacher leadership in relation to crisis
responses; is not just timely, but critical in terms of contributions
teachers have made to provide remote learning and support to
vulnerable populations.
According to him, other contributions of teachers, include re-opening
of schools to ensure that the seven months learning gaps are
mitigated.
We need to recognize the role played by teachers in building
resilience and shaping the future of education and the teaching
profession.
Citing insurgency affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, he said:
“The over a decade long Boko Haram insurgency has disrupted education.
“Children were displaced and schools destroyed. Some children found
their way into Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps where
Temporary Learning Centres (TLS) were provided.”
He said last year, an Initiative for Education and Development (IDEE)-
a Non -Governmental Organization working with state and non- state
stakeholders targeting girls commencing with innovating an Education
in Emergency ( EiE) programme in some IDP camps.
He added that in March 2020, COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks; with further
restrictions and school closure.
He said that IDEE started a Blended learning approach combining remote
learning, Last Mile Learning (LML) and Read Aloud Programme (RAP).
“Learning facilitators such as Mallam Baba Gana Kasama and colleagues
have shown, as they have done so often, great leadership and
innovation in ensuring that the #LastMileLearning, #ReadAloudProgramme
guarantee that #LearningNeverStops,” said the EU humanitarian
development consultant.
He said the innovations in learning during COVID-19 pandemic; will
leave no learner behind in IDP camps in Northeast.
He said the teachers have worked individually and collectively to find
solutions and create new learning environments for their students to
keep learning.
“We congratulate Baba Gana Kasama and volunteer teachers/facilitators
in Borno state,” noting that they have supported learners in need.
Mrs. Cariyat Olorunfemi is also one of the few female teachers in the sciences.
She is a facilitator of Making Future Female Scientist (MFFS) programme.
According to him, Mrs. Olorunfemi support children in hard to reach
slum communities of FCT Abuja to access quality education during the
seven months school closure as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
He said that Olorunfemi; is using both remote learning and home visit
approaches to ensure they keep learning.
He noted that this is in spite of other teachers looking for
employment opportunities in the cities and urban communities of Ogun
state.
“Mr. Tunde Osundina, therefore agreed to teach in riverine community
of Ogun Waterside LGA, while supporting supporting children
professionally and preparing them for brighter future.
He said during the pandemic, Osundina developed innovative blended
teaching approaches using WhatsApp platform to reach children in the
community and beyond remotely.
“He also supports awareness and risk communication for both children
and parents,” he said.
Mr. Osundina is currently training other teachers on how to prepare
children for a ‘new normal school situation,” he said.
He said stakeholders in the education sector need to work with
Government to do more for teachers, including the review of National
Teachers’ Policy to reflect current realities.
