As we approach this sacred month of Ramadan, my heart remains heavy with the sight I witnessed in my hometown village, Katam. I was invited to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a community-built Islamiyya school in the village, but instead of joy, I left with deep sorrow.
In these two small classrooms, 332 children, aged 5 to 10, struggle to receive an education. Among them, over 200 (60%) are young girls, while just over 100 (40%) are boys. Yet, these children are the privileged ones—the fortunate few who have a chance to learn. Hundreds more remain in the village, completely denied the right to education, left without hope for a brighter future. I feel so unsafe with these figures in my head.
It breaks me to say this: In the entire village, we have only two university graduates and one NCE holder.
Yet, this same community is considered one of the largest polling units in Akko Ward during elections. This reality is terrifying. How can a community thrive when its children are left behind? How can we secure our future when ignorance overshadows knowledge?
We are not asking for luxuries. We are not demanding new structures.
All we ask for is the renovation of our only 2 dilapidated primary school’s classrooms whic is the only hope for these children.
We wrote to the Gombe State Government through the relevant authorities, pleading for help to renovate the two classroom primary school. But until now, nothing has been done.
In desperation, I personally also reached out to the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project with a letter of request, hoping for intervention. However, I was informed that AGILE only supports adolescent girls who have at least completed primary school. Our letter was referred to SUBEB, yet we are still met with silence.
Today, I cry out on behalf of these innocent children, their parents, and our entire community. We plead with His Excellency, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Executive Governor of Gombe State), Distinguished Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje (Senator, Gombe Central), Distinguished Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (Federal House of Representatives), Hon. Muhammad Danladi Adamu (Akko Local Government Executive Chairman), The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, All Philanthropists and Well-Meaning Nigerians, Please rescues these children.
We are citizens of this state. We are not criminals. We have not wronged the government. All we ask for is inclusion. In this holy month, a time of mercy and blessings, we beg you in the name of God to come to the aid of our community.
If you are reading this, please share this message until it reaches the hearts of those who can help. Thank you.
Muhammad Saleh Katam
Chairman, Katam Community Development Association
Attention:
UNICEF
EducationUSA Nigeria
UNESCO
Federal Ministry of Education
