A dream renewed: Young Kellu’s story

A dream renewed

A basic education programme supported by NHF renews young Kellu’s hope for education

After being displaced from her home in 2015, Kellu Angoshe’s dream was to return to school.

Originally from Marte Local Government Authority (LGA) in Borno State, Kellu, her parents and six siblings, were forced to relocate due to the insurgency in 2015.

They moved to Monguno LGA and settled in the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) camp. Access to formal education was limited in the camp. Kellu's only option was to attend a distant mega school, which was difficult for her due to her physical disability.

Kellu represents many girls and boys in north-east Nigeria, who due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis are unable to go back to school due to conflict, displacement and more recently covid. The humanitarian crisis in north east Nigeia remains dire. Across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, over 7.9 million people face severe protection concerns, extreme deprivation beyond existing poverty levels, and daily threats to their well-being. The severity and complexity of affected people’s needs have not diminished.

Hope knocks at Kellu’s door

Fortunately, lady luck smiled on Kellu in January 2023 when through the door-to-door approach, she was selected and enrolled in the accelerated basic education programme implemented by GoalPrime Organisation (GPON) with funding from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF).

Through the programme, children who have fallen behind in their studies due to conflict and displacement are given the opportunity to catch up. Kellu received a complete enrolment kit containing a school bag, uniforms, sandals, pens, pencils, books, stockings, and an eraser – all vital for her educational journey. In addition, the programme’s psychosocial support (PSS) activities and social-emotional learning (SEL) helped Kellu, transform from a shy and reserved young girl to an active participant in various school activities.

“My classmates and I wrote a song to encourage other children to return to school,” Kellu shared excitedly. The song was part of the GPON’s back-to-school campaign in Monguno LGA and expressed their joy at being able to study again.

Kellu also actively participated in the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) sessions designed for adolescent girls – the sessions provide young girls with the knowledge and supplies they need to manage their menstruation safely and with dignity. At the end of the sessions, the girls are provided with an MHM kit containing reusable sanitary pads, washing and bathing soap, underwear, a menstrual calendar, a hair comb, a toothbrush, slippers, toothpaste, and educational materials on menstrual health and hygiene

A role model emerges

Her passion for learning has seen her excel academically while her participation in various activities has made her a role model for her peers to emulate.

“Kellu’s progress has been remarkable, it is inspiring to see her excel and grow in confidence,” one of her teachers shared.

Kellu’s story is a testament to the positive impact of the accelerated basic education programmes Vulnerable young girls are not only provided with education but life skills that will help them throughout their lives. Through NHF allocations, partners like GPON can deliver life changing programmes to vulnerable populations living in IDP camps in north-east Nigeria’s BAY (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe) States. Learn more about NHF here. END.