The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with the Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), has initiated a transformative literacy program in Imo State, Nigeria. This collaboration aims to enhance literacy rates and empower communities through education.
Leading the initiative, Mrs. Ihuoma Onwuchekwa, representing both GIZ and NOGALSS, recently engaged with key state education officials. She met with Mrs. Anyanwu Petrolina, Director of the State Agency for Mass Literacy (SAME), and Mrs. Anyanwu Celestina, Director and South-East Coordinator of the National Mass Education Commission (NMEC). The discussions centered on aligning efforts to ensure the project’s success.
Mrs. Onwuchekwa emphasized the necessity of involving state education stakeholders in the project’s planning and execution to maximize its impact. She highlighted that such collaboration is vital for reaching underserved communities and achieving sustainable outcomes.
Both Mrs. Petrolina and Mrs. Celestina expressed their appreciation for the initiative and affirmed their agencies’ commitment to supporting the program. They acknowledged the importance of effective publicity and community engagement, particularly in rural areas, to ensure the project’s objectives are met.
The directors pledged to assist in mobilizing the target audience and securing suitable learning centers across various local government areas in Imo State. They also committed to maintaining open communication channels with the project team throughout the project’s duration.
The GIZ project team in Imo State, including Communication and Advocacy Officer Mr. Ifeanyi Ibe, Finance Officer Mr. Nwachi, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Mr. Emeka Ani, expressed gratitude for the support and insights provided by the state education leaders. They reiterated their dedication to fostering a robust partnership with SAME and NMEC to ensure the project’s smooth implementation.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing literacy challenges in Nigeria. According to UNESCO, Nigeria’s adult literacy rate stands at approximately 62%, indicating a significant need for targeted educational interventions. By combining resources and expertise, GIZ and NOGALSS aim to make substantial strides in improving literacy and empowering communities in Imo State.
