Chima Azubuike, Gombe state.
As the 2019 world International Youth Day commemoration with the theme “Transforming Education” rounds off youths in Gombe state have been expressing their misgivings as it relates to issues mitigating transformation in education sector.
At an event organized today by Care for Life in Cham, Balanga LGA, Gombe, under (Reaching and Empowering Adolescents to make informed Choices for their Health- REACH, and Towards Ending Child Marriage- TECM) project.
According to Mr. Peters Placidus, Executive Director Care for Life, Transformative Education is relevant, quality, accessible, equitable and inclusive education. It is amplified by SDG4 and underlines that education must meet the social and economic needs of changing times and be accessible to all, addressing special educational needs including those of persons with disability. He said “This is central to achieving sustainable development. On this occasion of International Youth Day, I urge all stakeholders in government, civil society, international partners and the organised private sector to prioritize education, the greatest development multiplier and salvager of the dignity of humanity “
Ruth Bitrus, a participant at the programme noted that it was unfortunate how teachers that should impact knowledge have illicit relationships with female students. She said “As we commemorate world youth day, with the theme transforming education, to make education inclusive and accessible for all youths. It is important to note that teachers must desist from having unhealthy relationship with female students as it goes a long way in causing distraction to the student” she added.
The team lead Mr. Daniel Samaila, Reaching and Empowering Adolescents to make informed Choices for their Health- REACH, Towards Ending Child Marriage- TECM) project. He called for an end to illicit affairs between teachers and students. He said “There is need to provide youths qualitative education irrespective of gender. We expect to have agents of change across the various levels. Students will never concentrate if they engage in amorous affairs with someone that should impact them knowledge” he noted.
Another participant, Jethro Abubakar, solicited for more investment in technology if education must be transformed “the world is evolving, so there must be technological advancement”.
Wisdom Dauda, 23 year old SS3 participant, pointed out the need for female students to dress in a way that is less unattractive to the desires of teacher to avoid unwanted attention “Female students have roles to play in ending unnecessary relationships” he said.
Bitrus Yila, Monitoring and Evaluation officer, in his remarks explained that education facilitates social interaction where learners are at the centre in designing the learning process. “Education must inspire curiosity and encourage exploration in learners.
Parents and children were amongst those that attended. Placards displayed by participants at the end of the event read the following; Education is a development multiplier, Youths are the productive Workforce” Educate them”, Equitable education for all, our Youth the essential model, Accessible education for all , and Relevant and inclusive education for all.