The proprietor of the Betharbel Free Elementary School for Internally Displaced Persons in Durumi, Abuja, Monisola Aiyekueshin said funding has been a major challenge.
A statement by the school said her strong belief in the power of education inspired her to establish a free school for children in the IDP camp within the Federal Capital Territory, noting that education played a crucial role in transforming lives.
In an interview with The Punch, Aiyekueshin reflected on the words of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“This resonates deeply with me,” she said.
Aiyekueshin’s background includes significant work in the education sector in Bayelsa State, where she ran a school and collaborated with the West African Examinations Council and NECO.
However, personal challenges forced her to leave Bayelsa and relocate to Abuja. Upon discovering the IDP community, she felt compelled to act swiftly.
“I saw many children idly playing while their peers were in classrooms. This situation troubled me, and I worried about Nigeria’s future if we continued to have a growing number of illiterates,” she explained.
Despite starting with limited resources, Betharbel Free Elementary School is now in its third year of operation. Funding remains a significant challenge, but Aiyekueshin and her team persist with determination and a vision for the future.
“Maria Montessori once said that the greatest sign of a teacher’s success is when children work as if the teacher did not exist. This vision guides me,” Aiyekueshin shared.
She added, “The school operates entirely on donations from individuals, organisations, and philanthropists. Currently, it serves 110 displaced children with the support of six staff members.”
While funding remains a struggle, Aiyekueshin and her team are committed to providing the best possible education for their students.
“We are grateful for our current donors, but we hope for increased financial support to help us meet and exceed the minimum standards set by UNICEF,” Aiyekueshin said.