In Ebonyi State, Nigeria, many students, particularly in rural areas, face immense challenges in accessing quality education. Even urban areas like Ohaisu, Afikpo, are not spared from this crisis. The state’s educational system grapples with inadequate infrastructure, widespread poverty, and cultural biases, disproportionately affecting girls. Despite school fees being as low as ₦3,000 per term, many families still cannot afford this amount, resulting in high dropout rates. This situation perpetuates the cycle of poverty, depriving young people of opportunities to achieve their full potential.
To address this pressing issue, PEEEI launched the “Educate and Empower Initiative”, targeting vulnerable students in Ohaisu Government School, Ebonyi State, as part of our commitment to improving access to quality education. The initiative aims to boost school retention rates and enhance the life outcomes of these students. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes inclusive, equitable, quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The project directly empowers 60 vulnerable students—36 girls and 24 boys—by covering school fees, lesson fees, PTA levies, and exam fees. Additionally, it provides funding for Junior and Senior WAEC exams for 10 students. This initiative ensures at least a 90% retention rate, fosters improved academic performance, and helps to break the cycle of poverty, especially for girls who are disproportionately affected by educational barriers.
The Educate and Empower Initiative is designed to run for a full academic session, with plans for scaling up to further increase retention rates and extend the program beyond Ohaisu Government School in the near future.
At PEEEI, our commitment remains unwavering. We are dedicated to empowering every individual until we achieve a society where all people can thrive, contributing positively to their communities and beyond.