A total of 183 adults in Gbatse have enrolled in a free education program to fight illiteracy.
Backed by local leaders and NGOs, the initiative offers classes from primary to junior secondary.
A total of 183 adults have been enrolled in a new literacy program launched in Gbatse, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, aimed at improving basic education in the rural community.
The initiative, which offers free education from primary to junior secondary levels, is being implemented by Better Life Initiative and Upswing in collaboration with Revival Prayer Outreach. It was officially inaugurated on Thursday at the Gbatse Community Primary School, receiving an enthusiastic response from locals eager to gain reading and numeracy skills.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Maureen Okechukwu, Country Director of Upswing for Better Life Initiative, said the strong turnout reflects the community’s thirst for learning.
“The people here are hungry for education. We were overwhelmed by the level of interest shown by residents who want to learn,” Okechukwu said.
She noted that Gbatse was selected for the program due to its high illiteracy levels and the willingness of its people and leadership to embrace educational support.
“We saw their eagerness to learn and the openness of their leaders to support this initiative, which made it easier for us to come in,” she added.
The program was formally launched by the Zakir of Gbatse Kingdom, His Royal Highness Zika Pila Jeremiah III, who encouraged learners to stay dedicated. He described education as key to solving many of the community’s challenges.
“An educated community can overcome many challenges, including poverty. Education empowers people to think critically and solve problems,” he said.
Apostle Wisdom Ezenyi of Revival Prayer Outreach, the school’s proprietor, said the project was born out of a spiritual outreach that evolved into an education-focused mission after identifying the deep need for literacy in the area.
“What started as a spiritual mission has now grown into this free adult education program,” he explained.
“We started with 183 learners and plan to continue growing. The school is free for all, from primary one to junior secondary three, and we hope to extend to senior secondary in the future.”
He also expressed gratitude to the community, especially the monarch, who donated the school building and fully backed the program.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of His Royal Highness, who gave us this building and his full blessing,” Apostle Wisdom added.
Beyond the adult literacy classes, the organization has also supported other educational needs in the area. According to Apostle Wisdom, seven adults have already been enrolled in formal secondary schools, and two recently sat for the Junior WAEC examinations. In addition, fees were paid for five dropout students to help them return to school.
One of the community’s elders, Baba Ahua Nyagba, thanked the organizers for their efforts and pledged the community’s cooperation.
“You have our blessing to operate here. There will be no issues with insecurity or interference,” he assured.
With growing interest and local support, the free adult education program is bringing new hope to Gbatse, as residents see literacy not just as a personal achievement but as a pathway to collective development.
