ETINOSA ODIGIE
In a demonstration commitment to child education and social welfare, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, led a team from the Ministry and the flagship Project, EduRescue to Ologbosere Primary School in Upper Sakponba axis of Benin City where government provided support to dozens of children previously seen roaming the streets during school hours.
The visit formed part of the pilot phase of EduRescue, a bold intervention programme designed to identify, rehabilitate, and reintegrate out-of-school children into the formal education system.
The goal, according to the Ministry, is to ensure that every child in Edo State has access to learning and the tools necessary to thrive in school.
During the outreach, each child received a set of school supplies, including bags, exercise books, and socks, all personally donated by Dr Iyamu as a gesture of encouragement and support.
The distribution visibly uplifted the children, many of whom had lacked the basic materials required for classroom participation.
Speaking at the event, Dr Iyamu reaffirmed the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration’s resolve to eliminate street hawking and truancy among school-age children.
He stated that, “Our vision is simple, yet profound; every Edo child must be in school, equipped and empowered to learn. Today is just one step of many, and we will not rest until every child is rescued from the streets and given the dignity of education.”
The Commissioner also commended the dedication of the EduRescue team in rolling out the pilot phase and urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to collaborate actively with the government by identifying and reporting children in need of educational support.
Grateful parents and teachers praised Dr Iyamu for his proactive leadership and lauded the Ministry for taking direct steps to uplift vulnerable children.
Many highlighted the personal touch of the Commissioner in providing school kits, which they described as both thoughtful and inspiring.
The young beneficiaries, some shyly clutching their new books and bags, echoed a clear sentiment: “We are happy to return to school. Thank you.”
Residents of Upper Sakponbaarea also welcomed the initiative, calling it timely and impactful in curbing child neglect and promoting access to quality education.
As the pilot progresses, the Ministry is calling on communities to prioritise child education and report any cases of out-of-school children so that they can be swiftly reached by the EduRescue team.Project EduRescue stands as a beacon of hope, bridging policy with human impact—changing lives one child at a time..
