Nigeria to launch 'safe schools' initiative

IN THE wake of the mass kidnapping of more than 200 girls, the Nigerian government is set to begin work on a campaign to create safer schools.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday (June 16) to coincide with African Children's Day. The aim is to make schools safer in Nigeria and making a commitment to returning the 10.5 million Nigerian children to education.

The N3.2 billion (£10m) campaign and has been funded by both the government and the private sector. Former UK prime minster Gordon Brown was also present at the launch and has pledged to contribute financial resources as part of his role as a UN Special Envoy for Global Education.

On the initiative, Brown explained to the Huffington Post: “It is designed to secure worldwide support for a basic right that children should be able to go to school without fear (and) their parents safe in the knowledge that they will return home. In addition to sending a message of solidarity with the girls of Chibok, the Safe Schools Initiative is a chance for the world to donate to the Safe School cause”

The Safe Schools Initiative will be begin Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states before spreading to the remaining states in Nigeria. These two regions in particular have been described as those most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, the militant group who have claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/nigeria-launch-safe-schools-initiative