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Childhood Education & Children's Library Renovation
SSI believes that early quality education is crucial to developing the solid background in literacy skills that are needed to succeed in a competitive environment. Unfortunately, less privileged, low resource communities lack this critical part of human development. Opportunities missed in the appropriate education of the young mind hinder the growth of any society, hence the need to prioritize the provision and/or augmentation of educational tools necessary for quality early education. Academically vibrant and engaging educational programs make for a more intellectually robust academic experience and ultimately intellectual and economic success.
Our Flagship Project: Revitalizing the Enugu State Central Library
Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria
Established in 1958 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Enugu State Central Library was once hailed as the best library in West Africa. Today, it stands in disrepair, with aging infrastructure and outdated materials, the result of decades of underinvestment.
SSI is partnering with the library's leadership to revitalize and modernize the children’s section. Our work includes:
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Refurbishing the reading area to create a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment, providing free, age-appropriate books to encourage literacy and imagination.
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Launching educational programs, academic activities, and creative craft sessions designed to nurture young minds and foster a love of learning.
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Through this initiative, SSI seeks not just to rebuild a library, but to restore legacy and rekindle hope for the next generation.
Brightstart International Academy (nursery and elementary school)
Imo State Nigeria
SSI supported the establishment of this nursery and elementary school in the rural community of Umucheke in August 2022 by aiding in the purchase of land on which the school was built. This poor rural community is ravaged by erosion and landslides making access to schools closer to the community impossible. The children in this village (some as young as 5 years) had to walk at least one hour to the most accessible school leading to a high rate of no or poor school attendance.
This new school, established in the village was well received with attendance of more than 200 students within the first week of opening. The children were also provided with school uniform, shoes, and books free of charge. SSI donated over one million Naira to assist in renovating an old, abandoned church hall and its environs, to be used as temporary classrooms and for the purchase of land for the construction of a permanent building that meets building code requirements.
Challenges range from payment of staff salaries, and provisions of adequate school materials to the urgent need for a well-constructed building as a permanent site for the school. Unfortunately, families are very poor and can barely afford the stipend of N2000 (approx. $3 at N730 per one US dollar) per term, especially with multiple children. Consequently, the school, as critically needed as it is, is unable to sustain itself and will need outside donors – individuals and/or corporate entities to assist in providing education and the chance of a better future for these less privileged children.
