Michael Omisore’s Post

Championing Children’s Rights to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). While working with #AAH / #ACF between 2021 & 2023 one of our strong advocacy drives was ensuring children in their first 1000 days had adequate care to nutrition, health care and Education (in Emergencies) #EiE. While I worked as an Education Coordinator with #PlanInternational we had teenage mothers and girl brides, who have been out of a school for a while, some widowed due to the insurgency in the BAY states of North east Nigeria come to school to learn basic literacy and numeracy with their children strapped at their side or back, sometimes with little or no attention and care. these scenario made us design and implement the first ECDE project in Adamawa and Borno states. Based in lessons learnt from this interventions and others, it is important to reiterate the fact that children are not just leaders of the future; they are individuals with inherent rights that must be recognized and upheld. Access to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) is a fundamental human right that lays the foundation for their growth and well-being. In crisis and disaster settings, this right becomes even more crucial as they are the. most at risk population. It’s our collective responsibility- governments, NGOs, educators, and communities, to ensure that every child has access to quality ECDE services, no matter their circumstances. Together, we can create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive, learn, and heal. Let’s unite to advocate for ECDE initiatives that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable. Every child deserves a chance to flourish and learn! #ChildRights #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECDE #CrisisResponse #CollaborateForChange

Raising Children in Kenya: Education, Health and Family Values Raising children in Kenya involves navigating a landscape shaped by diverse cultural influences, educational challenges, and health considerations. From early childhood through adolescence, families in Kenya prioritize education, health, and the transmission of core values to prepare their children for the future. Education: Education is highly valued in Kenyan soc... [...] #familyvalues #raisingchildren Read more... https://lnkd.in/dV2GeHmP

Urgent Call to Support Education for Out-of-School Children Dear State and Non-State Actors in Education, I hope this message finds you well. Its school resumption week for a NEW ACADEMIC YEAR, making it a critical time to design and implement programs that address the needs of out-of-school children and focus on keeping them in school. We are facing an alarming situation in Nigeria, where UNICEF has reported that the number of out-of-school children has reached 18.3 million, with the potential for this number to increase due to current economic conditions. As you may be aware, Nigeria's inflation rate hit a 28-year high in June 2024. With the removal of fuel subsidies and rising fuel prices, we are seeing a sharp increase in the cost of living. As children prepare to return to school, many will, unfortunately, be unable to do so. The prices of school materials are soaring, and many schools are raising their fees, further exacerbating the problem. If you have funding available or are in the process of seeking it, I strongly urge you to prioritize the purchase of essential school materials, such as sanitary pads for girls, transport fares, and assistance with school or PTA fees for primary and secondary school pupils. These interventions are needed now more than ever. Please ensure that your efforts focus on the most vulnerable, particularly girls, who are disproportionately affected by poverty. Aim to support at least 60% girls in your programs. You can identify those most at risk by reviewing absenteeism records, identifying families struggling with PTA fees, having phone discussions with parents, and consulting with classroom teachers. Lastly, I urge relevant state actors to take action to prevent further hikes in PTA fees and other essential costs. Primary education is meant to be free and compulsory, as per universal declarations, and we must do everything possible to ensure that remains the case. Warm regards, Abdulrahman A. Save the Children International Plan International

Nurturing Tomorrow: A Call to Parents in Northern Nigeria In the heart of Northern Nigeria, where traditions and values intertwine, lies a profound responsibility that transcends generations: the duty of parents to shape the future through the upbringing of their children. As the custodians of culture and the architects of our society, parents play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation. Understanding the Significance Parental responsibilities extend beyond providing the necessities. It's a call to action, a commitment to instill values, morals, and a hunger for knowledge in the young minds entrusted to our care. In a world evolving faster than ever, the foundation we lay for our children becomes the bedrock of their success and contribution to society. Education as the Cornerstone One cannot overemphasize the importance of education. It is the key that unlocks doors to opportunities, broadens perspectives, and empowers individuals to create positive change. In Northern Nigeria, where the echoes of rich history resonate, ensuring quality education for our children becomes imperative. Collective Responsibility Let us embrace the idea that raising well-rounded individuals is a collective responsibility. From parents to educators, community leaders to policymakers, we all play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of the younger generation. By working together, we create an environment where every child has the chance to thrive. Empowering Through Awareness Beyond academic education, instilling awareness about the world and its challenges is equally vital. Equip your children with the knowledge they need to navigate a complex global landscape. Teach them empathy, resilience, and the importance of contributing positively to their communities. Conclusion As parents in Northern Nigeria, our shared commitment to providing the best upbringing for our children lays the foundation for a brighter future. Let us be the guiding lights, nurturing the potential within each child and empowering them to become the architects of positive change.

Global Schools Forum in partnership with Sunflower Trust had an opportunity to celebrate the first ever #InternationalDayofPlay event on 11 June. Some of the highlights of the event 📣 Participants reminisced about their childhood play memories highlighting outdoor adventures, friendships, creativity, and the joy of spontaneous, unstructured play. Everyone agreed: play should spark joy, freedom, and interaction! 📣 Led by @Beryl-Oywier from NABU, there was a panel discussion exploring the different aspects of play in relation to policy, school settings and inclusivity. - Rukia Sebit from Sunflower Trust shared that among the barriers to incorporating playful learning within the school setting is limited space in schools, and parental fear of safety limiting the games the children can be exposed to. - Phyllis Munyi - Dyslexia Kenya from Dyslexia Organisation, spoke on inclusivity, stressed that all children must be included in play without discrimination, and parental engagement through both training and involvement in making the play-based materials in schools creates a sense of agency in promoting playful learning. - As indicated by Noah Kipkoech Kerich from Uthabiti Africa, there is a need for collective action as childcare practitioners, understanding the policy processes, identifying the existing gaps and actively positioning ourselves jointly, to ensure that our ideas are incorporated during the policy design. Approaching the government as a collective is our strength! 📣In conclusion from the discussions, the benefits of play cannot be underrated – Play improves socialization skills among children, helps children overcome their fears, promotes creativity, exploration and innovation. Effective playful learning requires a balance between structured and unstructured play, accommodating diverse learning needs, and ensuring play is joyful, engaging, and creative. We are grateful to Sunflower Trust for hosting the event gracefully, and the attendance and wonderful participation of Dignitas Project Duara Education, Dyslexia Organisation Kenya, EdPartnerships International Kurasa Africa, metis collective, LLC, NABU, Pursue Kenya, SHOFCO, TotoCare, Turning Point Trust and Uthabiti Africa

Invest in ECD and South Africa's future ECD advocates in Johannesburg marched alongside the Real Reform for ECD movement, urging political parties to prioritise ECD ahead of the 2024 general elections. The ECD Manifesto - a blueprint for change - is supported by more than 5 000 people and 120 organisations, outlines key actions for change. These include increased subsidies, nutritional support, and improved training and resources – vital building blocks for a child's future success in education, health, and beyond. https://lnkd.in/dUquUkPc

The theme "Education for All Children in Africa: the Time is Now" resonates deeply as a call to action for stakeholders in education across the continent, particularly emphasizing the urgency for inclusive education in remote and conflict-affected areas. This theme is especially pertinent to the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon, which have been severely impacted by ongoing protracted armed conflict. These regions have faced significant educational disruptions, with schools being closed, children displaced, and teachers facing threats, creating an educational crisis that demands immediate and coordinated responses. The Day of the African Child (DAC), celebrated on 16th June 2024, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education. It is a day to reflect on the progress made and to galvanize efforts towards addressing the educational disparities that exist, particularly in crisis regions. The Center for Youth and Sustainable Development (CYSD) has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges in Cameroon. Their efforts have included: 1. **Creating Safe Learning Environments**: CYSD has been instrumental in establishing safe spaces where children can continue their education without fear of violence. This includes setting up temporary learning centers in safer areas and providing psychosocial support to students traumatized by the conflict. 2. **Advocacy and Awareness**: CYSD actively advocates for the rights of children to receive an education, working with local and international organizations to highlight the plight of children in the crisis regions. Their efforts aim to mobilize resources and support from various stakeholders to ensure sustained educational opportunities. 3. Provision of Educational Materials**: In response to the shortages of learning materials, CYSD has organized the distribution of textbooks, school supplies to help children continue their studies even in displacement. Thanks to Board of Rotary Club of Raleigh for their unconditional support 4. Community Engagement**: Engaging with local communities is a core strategy of CYSD. By working closely with community leaders and parents, they foster a supportive environment for education and ensure that local needs and cultural contexts are considered in their interventions. As we observe the Day of the African Child, it is crucial to remember the millions of children in conflict zones like those in Cameroon who are yearning for the chance to learn and grow. The call to action is clear: the time is now for all stakeholders to come together, prioritize education, and ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances. The collective efforts of organizations like CYSD are vital in making this vision a reality, demonstrating that with commitment and collaboration, education for all children in Africa is achievable.

It's fascinating to see the innovative approaches to learning in East Africa! MST Junior School in #Uganda is one such institution. They provide top-quality primary education through practical learning. Check out their video below! While researching how to improve the financing of primary education, I discovered that education provision is a multi-faceted issue. It's what we call a "wicked problem" in #development jargon. The more innovative it gets, the more problems arise. These problems include integration, access, scaling, policy adjustments, impact on future career outcomes, and financing. Here's a question for reflection: how can governments ensure that the education system remains relevant to the dynamic future of work? Let's work together to prioritize children's well-being and education. MST Junior School #childrenswellbeing #children #education #childdevelopment #childcare #childrensrights #africa

Primary education in Pakistan faces various challenges, but there are ways to improve and promote growth. Here are some suggestions: 1. *Increase funding*: Allocate more resources to education, especially in rural areas. 2. *Teacher training*: Provide regular training and development opportunities for teachers. 3. *Curriculum reform*: Update the curriculum to include modern skills and critical thinking. 4. *Infrastructure development*: Improve school buildings, facilities, and technology. 5. *Accessibility and inclusivity*: Ensure equal access for girls, children with disabilities, and marginalized communities. 6. *Community engagement*: Encourage parental involvement and community participation. 7. *Technology integration*: Leverage digital tools and resources to enhance learning. 8. *Assessment and evaluation*: Regularly monitor and evaluate student progress and teacher performance. 9. *Addressing out-of-school children*: Implement programs to bring out-of-school children back to education. 10. *Private-public partnerships*: Collaborate with NGOs, organizations, and businesses to support education initiatives. Additionally, consider: - Promoting literacy programs for adults and out-of-school youth - Encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills - Fostering a culture of reading and learning - Providing resources for special needs education - Encouraging community-led initiatives and grassroots movements Remember, growth in primary education requires a multifaceted approach, involving government, civil society, and community efforts.

Education, a tool for peace and stability  I would like to join fellow educators in celebrating the international day for education celebrated on 24 January by taking a dep reflection on how the work am engaged in at Strome foundation have contributed to world peace and stability.      Stromme foundation’s interventions for promoting access to education by vulnerable children like refugee and displaced children, children living in communities emerging out of armed conflict, children with disabilities and girls from households living in extreme poverty   aligns well with the theme of   the 2024 International Education Day which is “Education a tool for peace and stability!”. Noting that Peace is not merely the absence of war, Stromme    Foundation’s intervention in education    have contributed to  promoting peace and stability severally: 1)     Providing education to refugee children and children in areas emerging from armed conflict enables such children to rebuild their life and reclaim their dreams. 2)     enabling girls to remain in school protects them from forced child marriage which restores the dignity and self-worth of the girl child. 3)     Promoting inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream schools breaks the cycle of discrimination and the symbiosis of disability and poverty which characterizes majority households with disabled family members. 4)     Recognizing that poverty is a major driver for world instability, Stromme Foundations intervention in education contribute to de-escalating conflict drivers such as inequality, exclusion, and exploitation on the first day a child enrols in school. 5)     Stromme Foundation’s education interventions empower millions with the foundations to understand their rights, civic responsibilities like protecting the environment, and the tenants of working in solidarity through peaceful collective action to demand for justice from their governments. 6)      Adolescents   trained in life-skills regain control of their life choices and destinations, thereby regaining their respect in society. 7)     The youth supported to undertake vocational training acquire the skills to establish decent jobs, improve their livelihoods and live more dignified lives. Appreciation to the Norwegian government, institutions, and private foundations which resource Stromme   Foundation’s education interventions.  Protracted civil society advocacy and legislative action is needed to ensure that national government appropriate adequate resources for the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Education for all.