The heartbreaking images you see here are of the students of Galdimari Primary School, located along the Bypass in the Tabra District of Akko Local Government Area, yet within the Gombe metropolis. It is deeply saddening and frustrating that while the Gombe State Government claims to be improving education and reducing the number of out-of-school children, these young students are left to learn in such deplorable conditions.
As I write this, the children of our community are forced to study under the shade of trees, inside the mosque, and in the palace of the village head due to the complete absence of proper classrooms. These harsh conditions severely hinder their ability to learn, grow, and aspire for a better future.
Despite being part of the Gombe metropolis, Galdimari remains neglected, lacking even the most basic social amenities. Our community does not have a properly built primary school, a primary healthcare facility, a Good roads, a Clean and accessible drinking water.
In a determined effort to change this,our community came together and purchased a piece of land to build a primary school a testament to our collective commitment to education. However, we lack the financial resources to begin construction.
Galdimari is a community known for self-reliance and unity in development projects, yet not a single social amenity has been provided by the government. Every visible development in the area is solely the effort of the people.
We urgently appeal to the Local Government, Gombe State Government, and our representatives at both the State and National Assembly, particularly Senator Danjuma Goje and Hon. Usman Bello Kumo to intervene and bring the dividends of democracy to our community. Education is a fundamental right, and no child should be left behind simply because of neglect.
Additionally, we call on philanthropists, well-meaning individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international donors to join us in this crucial mission. Together, we can build a brighter future for these children because, as the saying goes “Ignorance is a poison that kills a nation slowly.”
Galdimari’s children deserve better. Their future is in our hands. The time to act is NOW!
Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan, is the Secretary General, Galdimari Youth Development Forum. He wrote from Gombe State
