On 19th June 2025, the IDP children of Galim Neighbourhood Learning Corner graduated in a wonderful ceremony fitting to their achievements.  67

children who had been out of school for over 6 years because of the war in the NW region, and who could barely read or write one word, or work with numbers, were given the opportunity to attend classes run by specially trained SHUMAS teachers in order to catch up with their education and rediscover a love of learning.  The children loved attending these classes, where the learning activity was often play-based, and within three months of intensive work, they had all achieved a level of education that allowed them to enrol in formal education again, without being discriminated against or feeling left behind.  This project also provided the children, who had lost everything when fleeing from the war, with all the necessary items needed to attend school – uniform, books, pencils, school bag etc – and paid their school fees.  Each child also received a record card showing their progression and achievements.  They have now been enrolled into schools in Galim (West Region) where there is no war, and will be starting formal classes at the start of the new academic year in September.

Another 200 IDP children, who are still living in the NW Region have been attending similar classes in 5 other Neighbourhood Learning Corners in Babessi, will also be graduating in time for the new school year.

This project has been such a huge success that we are currently supporting SHUMAS in replicating it for a further group of 300 IDP children in Babessi and Galim areas in the coming months.  This time, the project will include training  for the mothers of these children in small business management (SHUMAS’ Economic Empowerment for Education programme) which will ensure that these families, who have suffered so much, will be assured of an income, a livelihood, an education and a brighter future.