In a bid to change the narrative of Boko Haram (Book is Sin), a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Spring Aid Foundation (SAF), has initiated an educational programme called “Boko na Light” (Book is Light).
According to the founder of SAF, Comrade Kenneth Chima, the aim of the organization was to get all the out of school children in the north to read and write so that they can become agents of positive change in the society.
The lunch took place over the weekend in Bwari Area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Comrade Kenneth Chima who spoke to newsmen said they are out to change the narratives of Boko Haram to Boko Light whereby education will drive away darkness that causes backwardness in the society.
Comrade Kenneth Chima, President of SAF in his explanations said that they just kick started the programme from this very humble beginning and that though the programme is being financed 100% moment since all expenses are being taken care of by himself and his co-comrades hope to expand to the core north
“Boko Na Light” is an indigenous initiative designed to change the narratives of Boko Haram ( Book is forbidden) to Boko Na Light (Book is Light). We are trying to create light that will take away darkness: darkness of insecurity, economic setback and not being a better human in terms of literacy level.
“The programme targets the Almajiris and out of school children.
“We sourced the children from their parents knowing that some of them are not boyant enough to take their children to school,” he said.
According to him, the first thing they did was to lunch the educational aspect of the foundation which was an initiative that targets literacy level.
“The first thing we did was to lunch our initiative which targets literacy level and we started with indigenous language knowing that if you can read and write your local language, it will be easier for you to read and write English,” he said.
Some parents who spoke on how they felt when SAF came for their children, said that they were very pleased that people who had no family tiers with them had come to help them educate their children for free.
Mrs. Aisha Hissien, a parent, said she was very happy and appreciative of the foundation for their assistance.
“I am very happy seeing someone who is not my relative come from somewhere to help train my children. I am glad,” she said.
Mr. Hauwa Musa also a parent said she and husband are very happy, “me and my husband are very happy that this foundation is training our children for us. I pray for them to grow bigger and better so that many children can benefit,” she said.
Mr. Wale Sadoq, a vunlonteer said that the initiative, Boko Na Light was not intended to challenge the northern system of education but that it was the right of every child to be educated.
“Boko Na Light” initiative is not out to challenge the status quo nor is it designed to challenge the Islamic system of education in the north rather it is designed to change the narrative that portrays Western education as “Haram” sin. Education is a light as such it is the right of every child to be educated whether rich or poor; that is what Boko Na Light set out to achieve,” he said.
According the President, the programme has 70 pupils; 42 in the Huasa class and 28 in the English class and that because of the limited space they cannot admit more pupils until they have more accommodation.
He said the one they are currently using was donated to them by the Sarkin of Bwari.
