In Gombi, Adamawa State, a practical solution is giving out-of-school children a second chance at education through an initiative led by UNICEF in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government. The programme is addressing long-standing barriers to education by combining formal and non-formal approaches, particularly targeting children who have missed schooling due to poverty, insecurity, or early marriage.
At the heart of this initiative are the Accelerated Basic Education Centres (ABEC) 62 non-formal learning centres established across the Gombi Local Government Area. These centres provide a secure and inclusive space where learners, including young married and divorced girls, are returning to the classroom in an environment tailored to their needs.
According to Mrs Shelena Daniel, a facilitator in Gombi, the learning method focuses on engagement and enjoyment, helping learners grasp concepts more easily and rebuild their confidence.
“We make learning fun and interactive,” she said. “That’s how children who were once afraid to return to school are now thriving.”
Community involvement has also played a crucial role. Alhaji Isa Mohammed, a member of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), says awareness campaigns have helped parents and guardians understand the value of education, especially for girls.
“This programme has brought hope to our community,” he explained. “It has also reduced crime by keeping young people engaged productively.”
One of the most transformative elements is a nine-month accelerated programme designed to help children who missed out on early schooling catch up. The curriculum bridges formal and informal learning, helping participants reintegrate into the educational system or transition to adult education, allowing them to learn alongside peers in mainstream schools.
Mr Abdulrahman Ibrahim, UNICEF Education Specialist, describes the programme as life-changing:
“Many of these children had no access to education for years. Now, they’re not only back in school, but thriving. This is a model that works.”
The initiative is backed by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and forms part of a broader government strategy to strengthen early childhood, basic, and non-formal education across the state.
Dr Garba Umar Pella, Adamawa State Commissioner for Education, praised UNICEF for its pivotal role in the state’s education transformation. He said the initiative is also tackling related social challenges, such as drug abuse and insecurity, by giving young people a constructive alternative.
“We are grateful for UNICEF’s support. It’s more than education it’s community rebuilding,” Dr Pella said.
As more learners return to class, the Adamawa State Government and UNICEF remain committed to scaling the impact of the programme to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of background or circumstance.
This initiative shows that with the right support, second chances can become life-changing opportunities turning lost time into lifelong potential.
