Brightstart International Academy (nursery and elementary school)

SSI supported the establishment of this nursery and elementary school in the rural community of Umucheke in August 2022 by aiding in purchase of land on which the school was built. This poor rural community is ravaged by erosions 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 high rate of no or poor school attendance. This new school established in the village was very 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 also towards the purchase of land for the construction of a permanent building which will be up to standard code. Challenges range from payment of staff salaries, provisions of adequate school materials to urgent need for a well-constructed building as 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 bodies to assist in providing education and the chance of a better future for these less privileged children.