Background - Purpose
A child’s access to a good basic education assures the ability to claim and enjoy the rights of an informed and responsible citizen. A quality education that promotes children’s active participation and critical thinking and is infused with the values of peace and human dignity - has the power to transform societies in a single generation. Furthermore, the fulfillment of a child’s right to education offers protection from a multitude of hazards, such as domestic labor, commercial sexual exploitation or recruitment into armed conflict, and a life consigned to poverty.
It has been noted that without a formidable intellectual base it is not likely that any society would move forward. Africa, where 60% of her population is under 30 years old has enormous potential. But this potential is threatened by the lack of infrastructure and adequate funding for the educational sector.
Literacy is an essential skill in managing new activities, running local crop markets, administering community government and communicating with constituents. If we can succeed in uniting literacy efforts with economic development efforts, then we will have a much better chance of countering some of the other problems that are endemic to this part of the world. The sociopolitical and economic development of a nation and (or her health) is, in many ways, determined by the quality and level of educational attainment of the population. The youth should be given the appropriate quality academic training and an environment that would enable them reach their full potential.
Though all tiers of the African educational institutions in general are in dire needs, the most troubled of the three tiers is the primary education sector. This area is the building block of society's educational foundation. The recent statistics on primary education available shows that there are about 2,015 primary schools in Nigeria with no buildings of any type. Classes are held under trees. In a typical Elementary school in rural Africa, there are no desks and chairs, students lack basic school supplies and there are never enough books. One could only imagine the quality of lectures conducted under such inhumane conditions. ALF’s primary goal is to improve these conditions, and provide adequate school supplies and tools for both students and faculty.
The cost of education is a major factor limiting most children in rural Africa today, these costs include but are not limited to expenses for books, stationery and basic equipment, uniforms, admission fees, registration and examination fees, contribution towards building and maintenance fund, construction fees, transportation, mid-day meals, Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) fees, sports fees, library fees and tuition fees. Since most of the parents in these regions live way below the poverty line, they are forced to weigh the benefits of sending their kids to school with the inherent astronomical fees, versus having them engaged with other economic activities that would help alleviate the family’s financial position. Unfortunately, the later is usually the choice in most cases.
African Literacy Foundation was born out of the need to help the children and parents in these regions overcome these challenges and promote qualitative primary education. We plan to address this problem through:
· Adopting one Elementary school each year
· Improve current infrastructure (Buildings, furniture, Sports facilities and equipments)
· Provide free school supplies for both students and faculty.
· Encourage and sponsor in-service training for teachers
· Establish need and merit-based scholarships for at least 5 students.
· Promote and sponsor after school activities and workshops.
· Track and control all donated resources to ensure proper accounting and utilization.
· Continuously monitor academic performance and evaluate areas of need.