A Treasured Bag in a Box

In Hong, a small community in Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria, a treasured box holds a special significance for eight-year-old Faridah and her family. Faridah's mother originally received the box as a gift during her wedding, symbolizing a promising future with Mohammed, Faridah’s father. Little did they know that this box would later become a symbol of Faridah's passion for education.

When Faridah received a UNICEF-branded school bag during a distribution of learning materials at her school, she knew she had to keep it safe and clean. She decided to store it in the cherished box, where her family keeps their most precious items. This simple act of care and protection for her new bag indicates a motivation for Faridah to go to school. "Since she got the bag, she wakes up earlier than usual, excited to get the bag and rush to school,” Mohammed shares.

The UNICEF bag holds much more than just school supplies. It represents hope and the right to education for children in low-income and vulnerable communities. For Faridah, it became a constant reminder of the importance of education. Mohammed expresses his joy at seeing his daughter's newfound excitement for school. Faridah is so enthusiastic about her bag that she sometimes wants to skip breakfast just to get to school early.

Education in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, particularly in the northern region. Over 10 million children aged 5–14 are out of school, of those who do attend, roughly 60 percent of children aged 6–11 regularly attend primary school, and many face difficulties in completing their education. Access to necessary learning materials can make a significant difference in improving school attendance and academic engagement. Abdurrahman Ado, an education specialist with UNICEF Nigeria, explains, "We know that when children have the necessary tools for learning, they are more likely to stay in school and engage actively in learning."

Moreover, Mohammed understands firsthand the financial burden that education can place on families. He had to drop out of school himself when he couldn't afford the costs after his parents passed away. The learning materials that Faridah received have eased the financial strain on their family. Mohammed expresses his relief, stating, "This alleviates a significant burden from my shoulders." For many families in low-income communities, the indirect costs of education, such as purchasing school supplies, can be a significant burden. Access to educational materials provides critical support and encourages school attendance.

In July 2024, UNICEF distributed educational supplies to public schools in Adamawa State. More than 300,000 children received branded school bags, recreational kits, exercise books, and early childhood development kits. These supplies not only serve as tools for learning but also represent the desire of every child to go to school and pursue a bright future.

Faridah and children like her exemplify the passion and drive that can be ignited by UNICEF's educational supplies. Their stories remind us that these supplies are not just objects but symbols of hope and opportunity for a better future.