Agile Second Chance Enrolls 5,000 Out-of-School Girls in Kano

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Second Chance Programme in Kano State has successfully enrolled 5,000 out-of-school girls back into the educational system. This was announced by Dr. Auwal Halilu, Technical Assistant for the AGILE Second Chance Programme, during a one-day training session for enumerators on the enrollment and validation of out-of-school girls held at the Centre for Reading, Bayero University, Kano.

Dr. Halilu explained that the training session served as a refresher for enumerators who have been instrumental in identifying out-of-school girls aged 15 to 25. “We have done a lot of work in November and early December, during which we identified 5,000 young girls. Some of the girls are above fifteen and they are all enrolled in young adult learning classes,” Dr. Halilu stated.

Cross section of enumerators during the session

He emphasized the importance of the refresher training, noting that it aligns with the objectives and ideals of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to see education prosper in Kano State. “We felt that our enumerators need to refresh their memory by 2025 in line with the objective and ideals of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to see that education prospers in Kano State. In AGILE Second Chance, we see the need to set a target, and by 2025, we aim to have young girls aged 15 to 25 returned to school,” he added.

The training focused on introducing enumerators to modern techniques, respecting clients, and cultural sensitivity. Dr. Halilu expressed the ambitious goal of returning ten thousand out-of-school girls to school each quarter, aiming to have at least 40,000 girls back in school by the end of 2025.

Hajiya Jamila Ibrahim addressing news men

Hajiya Jamila Ibrahim, another key figure in the programme, highlighted the importance of the refresher training for the enumerators. “We want our enumerators to put in more effort. We want to encourage them and show them the government’s interest in what they are doing and motivate them,” she said.

The enumerators shared their experiences and the impact of the training. Enumerator Ahmad Sani Saye expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We are very glad and the training has refreshed our minds.” Hadiza Ibrahim, who works at a private and voluntary institution board, emphasized the significance of the programme, saying, “Second Chance is a great opportunity to support the girl child. We are ready and understand what is supposed to be done.”

The AGILE Second Chance Programme aims to provide educational opportunities for out-of-school girls, enhancing their chances of a brighter future and contributing to the overall development of the region.