Volunteer supporting mothers and babies in Nigeria

It has been observed that educating girls contributes significantly to the development of a stable, prosperous and healthy nation state whose citizens are active, productive and empowered. Yet data indicate that in Nigeria: ¨ Over 5.5 million girls are out-of-school (UNESCO, 2014) ¨ 40% women and 28% men have never attended school (NPC, 2009) ¨ Nearly two-thirds of women in the North West and North East regions have no education, compared to less than 15% in the South South (ibid.) ¨ The Net Enrolment Rate at primary school level is 56% for girls and 61% for boys (UNESCO, 2014) ¨ Drop-out rates are highest at the sixth grade of primary school and higher among girls than boys (NPC, 2009). Educated women are less likely to die in childbirth and more likely to have healthy and well nourished children than their non-educated counterparts.  A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five. In Nigeria 66% mothers with secondary education give birth in a health facility compared to 11% with no education (British Council, 2012). The children of educated women are more likely to go to school. Girls’ education spurs exponential positive effects on social and economic development for generations to come. One extra year of schooling increases lifetime earnings by up to an estimated 10%. Girls’ education is good economics. It is the best investment in a country’s national development. Educating girls enhances growth rates and reduces social disparities. Women with higher educational qualifications are more likely to be in formal wage employment than those with only primary schooling (NPC, 2009). Yet girls and women suffer educational exclusion across Nigeria. Nigeria’s out-of-school population is the largest in the world and it is growing. Of the staggering 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria today, the majority are girls. Girls from the poorest families in rural areas of Nigeria are among the most at risk of never attending school. 

information about different ways to be involved here…….

What do you think? Could this be you?

If you think it might be, fill in the form below and we will get in touch.

DBS Check

All FOSGHUB volunteers will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. There will be no cost associated with these checks for volunteers.