By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu
The Syndicate in Supporting Women and Children Initiative (SISWACHI) organized a one-day stakeholders' engagement on the imperative for a legal framework and resources plan on safe schools in Bauchi.
The event over the weekend at Hazibal Suite brought together policymakers, clergymen, civil society organizations, security agencies, parents, and students to provide feedback and recommendations for the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
Speaking during her welcome remarks SISWACHI Executive Director, Maryam Mohammed emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring the policy's success.
Mrs Mohammed said the event aimed to gather feedback and recommendations from stakeholders to ensure the policy meets its desired goals and objectives.
She further explained that the Safe Schools Policy document is a collaborative effort between SISWACHI and the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) supported by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education.
She urged for stakeholders support towards working together to achieve the desired goals. Adding that the participants were carefully drawn from different communities across 20 LGA in Bauchi.
In her speech, WARDC Founder Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi commended SISWACHI's efforts towards creating a safe school environment.
Ably represented by WARDC director of operations, Mrs Mary Gorge, Dr. Afolabi said the participants' feedback and recommendations will inform the final policy document, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all children in Bauchi.
Bauchi State Ministry of Education Sa'adatu Usman, Coordinator Development Partners, expressed the ministry's commitment to supporting the initiative.
She explained that the safe schools policy comprises six thematic areas, including: security by ensuring the safety of students and staff, Infrastructure by providing safe and conducive learning environments. Other areas were health, psychosocial support, emergency response, and more.
According to her the Bill has passed by the State Assembly and is now awaiting the Governor's assent to become a legal document.
Also speaking, the member WARDC and on behalf of Board Management, Hanya Aisha Kilishi appreciated the support from the ministry of education as well as stakeholders in the project.
Other highlights of the event was a presentation of the Project overview and objectives by Sheila Ibrahim Audu, presentation of groups work and group photographs.
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