The American University of Nigeria (AUN) Girls Child Foundation recently organized a four-day "Feed and Read" program from October 28 to 31, 2024, at the AUN Feed & Read Center. This initiative significantly impacted the lives of 50 Almajiri children, providing them with daily meals and literacy lessons in English, Hausa, and Fulfulde.
The multilingual approach made learning accessible and effective, allowing the children to better comprehend English instructions and grasp the material more quickly. The program was led by Ms. Zainab Ahmad Shuaibu, a fourth-year Natural and Environmental Sciences major and president of the AUN Girls Child Foundation.
Ms. Shuaibu emphasized that the foundation's primary objective is to empower the younger generation for a brighter future. Reaching out to the Almajiri children was a deliberate choice, recognizing the unique challenges they face. To encourage participation without the worry of hunger, the foundation provided meals at 4 pm during the tutoring sessions.
The initiative resonated deeply with the children. Ahmadu Ibrahim, one of the participants, expressed his gratitude, saying, "This program makes me feel like my dream of going to school is possible." Another child, Saleh Abdullahi, remarked, "I am happy I can learn and eat. I wish we had this every day."
The "Feed and Read" program stands as a beacon of hope, fostering education, addressing hunger, and paving the way for a brighter future. By extending their outreach beyond girls, the AUN Girls Child Foundation demonstrated their commitment to empowering all young minds, regardless of gender or background.
Reported by Usman Muhammad Gidado
The Marketing & Communications Department
Intern from Modibbo Adama University, Yola.