dRPC trains 150 teachers on digital literacy, sets up an ICT lab and awards 20 scholarships in FCT.
The project aims to equip students with digital skills and reduce school-related gender-based violence.
A non-governmental organization, the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), has trained 150 teachers on digital literacy, established an ICT laboratory, and awarded 20 scholarships to indigent students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative, supported by a ₦5 million grant from dRPC to the Rising Hope Girls’ Educational Foundation, is part of a broader effort to set up digital laboratories across 10 underserved communities.
The project aims to reduce school-related gender-based violence while equipping students, especially girls, with digital skills to thrive in the modern economy.
At the commissioning of the ICT laboratory at Junior Secondary School, Chikakore, Kubwa, dRPC Executive Director Dr Judith-Ann Walker, represented by the Centre’s Director of Partnerships, Hassan Karofi, said the intervention was designed to empower young people in marginalized areas.
“The education of our children is a commitment, and we will continue to invest in it,” Walker stated, noting that the project also responds to the funding gaps created by reduced overseas support for local NGOs.
David Ahanor, Project Director of the Rising Hope Girls’ Educational Foundation, stated that the labs were equipped with computers, interactive whiteboards, and internet modems.
According to him, they will serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and advocacy against gender-based violence.
“Before this project, many schools had limited access to digital resources and under-resourced teachers. Now, students are confident using technology, and issues of bullying and harassment are being addressed through awareness programs,” Ahanor explained.
So far, the project has reached over 500 students with digital training and sensitization, while more than 400 parents and youths have been engaged in community campaigns promoting safe school practices.
Principal of JSS Chikakore, Ishaya Dogo, hailed the initiative as a “beacon of hope” for children in hard-to-reach communities. “Your contribution of desktops will help our students learn better, and your scholarship will give our children a brighter future,” he said.
Also, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Alhassan Sule, was represented by Deputy Director of Curriculum, Nsa Rabo, who commended the project.
He stressed that education is a shared responsibility, adding, “When it comes to computer education, there is no compromise. Those who have seen the need to collaborate with the government in this area must be commended.”
The commissioning event was attended by the school’s Parents-Teachers Association executives, the Chief of Chikakore community, John Azaecheyi, and palace officials, underscoring broad community support for the intervention.
