By Khadijat Uthman
*Out of School Children and Their Struggle for Education
Education is a fundamental right for every child, but sadly, countless children across our nation still remain out of school today, I bring to you the heartfelt stories of the uneducated, one who only has a primary education, two drop-out students, two concerned parents, and an experienced educationist, shedding light on the challenges and potential solutions surrounding out of school children.
In a candid interview, two former students, Falilat Abdulquadri Morenikeji and Abdul Hammed Muzoffar Olarewaju shared their personal experiences of leaving school before completing their education.
Falilat Abdulquadri Morenikeji said “The reason why I’m not currently attending school is that, let me say financial problem, like there’s no money to go further so that’s the main reason. I always feel bad whenever I see my mate going to school, gaining admission and all that so I have the belief that I will also go when the time comes.”
Abdul Hammed Muzoffar Olarewaju expressed a similar plight, “When it got to a stage when there’s no power I have to drop out to look for something because I have to eat before a book can even enter my head”.
Equally, a respondent named Peter Adegoke, who only has a primary education only due to lack of finance said “I attended primary school but I did not attend secondary. I did not even bother to attend because I knew how things were at home so I didn’t even have the intention of going, so after my primary education I went straight to learning skills”.
For another out-of-school respondent, being an orphan was the cause of his inability to go to school. Oluwatoyin Babatunde said” I’m an orphan, I lived with my grandmother who sells petty trade in front of our house. Grandma didn’t have money to send me to school so instead she took me to learn a skill which I’m currently still learning till date. I always feel unhappy whenever I see my childhood friends going to school but there’s nothing I can do since I don’t have the power to sponsor myself yet. I’m still going to attend whenever I have my own money”.
To gain insight into the parental perspective of the issue, I spoke to Mr Adewale Olalekan, a farmer.
He said “The present situation of the country is unbearable and not comfortable. Lack of money has made it difficult for me to provide what my children need like school uniforms, school sanders, books and money. Lack of education will limit the opportunity for my child to acquire a good job like a White collar job and this may lead to poverty and lack to stand upright among his colleagues.”
Also, Mrs Aderemi Afolashade, a fashion designer and a single mother of three said “My lack of income made my children drop out of school. I don’t have a husband, and no one to support me financially due to some reasons. My work is not functioning very well sometimes I have to do some side jobs for us to manage. I cater for my children, pay house rent and some other bills.”
A lecturer at Federal Polytechnic Offa Mr Abiodun Abdul Mumeen, said “To me, a lot contributed to children being out of school in our environment, it could be government policies, parental background, environmental conditions, ethnic or cultural backgrounds etc, but the cause of it is Finance. Fully funded educational programs by the government (free education) is the best shot then we can look into the teaching environment, guides and aids”.
Even though it may be tough for children who aren’t in school, the interviews showed that they are strong and determined.
In conclusion, this interview highlights the determination and resilience of children who are not attending school. It serves as a reminder for governments and communities to prioritize education for all children, ensuring a more equal and promising future for everyone.
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