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The Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI), in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, has commissioned new toilet and library facilities at the LEA Primary School, Sheritti, Kabusa, Abuja.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony on Wednesday, the Executive Director of CCDI, Sharon Ayeni, said the gesture was part of the organisation’s Public School Revival Initiative (PSRI) aimed at improving hygiene, restoring dignity, and promoting inclusive learning in public schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
Ayeni explained that access to clean toilets and libraries was a basic right that promotes both health and education among pupils.
“We believe that access to clean toilets is a basic right, not a luxury. Libraries open doors to knowledge and brighter futures,” she said.
She called on the government to intensify efforts in maintaining school facilities nationwide, lamenting that many pupils still study under poor conditions.
“It’s demoralising to see students sitting on the ground when they could be sitting at desks. CCDI is working with other stakeholders to address these challenges, but government support is essential,” she added.
Ayeni noted that the first phase of the PSRI, supported by the Swiss Embassy, delivered four toilet blocks and three libraries to public schools in the FCT. She appealed for more donor support to expand the project to other schools across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr Siamak Rouhani, said the initiative reflected Switzerland’s commitment to supporting basic and vocational education in Nigeria.
“Education is vital for children’s future. With good education, they can find jobs and integrate into the labour market,” Rouhani stated.
He added that while Switzerland also supports vocational training projects in Nigeria through its companies, the focus of this partnership was to strengthen foundational education for young pupils.
The Head Teacher of LEA Primary School, Mrs Afiniki Shekwagu, expressed gratitude to CCDI and the Swiss Embassy, describing the donation as a “dream come true” for the school community.
“This is a joyful day for us. The new facilities will make teaching and learning more effective and improve our pupils’ wellbeing,” she said.
Shekwagu appealed for further support in providing furniture, computers, and classroom renovations to enhance the school’s learning environment.
Representative of the Universal Basic Education Board, Salamatu Manjalo praised CCDI and Swiss Embassy for supporting foundational education in the FCT and urged the school to take proper care of the facilities.
” We will be coming to check how you’re using these facilities, so make sure you take good care of it, ” she said.
Also present at the unveiling were community leaders including Sheritti community head, Abdullahi Haruna Magaji who also expressed his gratitude to CCDI.
” CCDI and the Swiss Embassy is investing in the future of these young ones, ” says Jasper Ogbonna, member Board of Trustees, CCDI.
Expressing optimism in the future of the young children, he said: ” when you see these young children excelling in life, becoming important people, know that it started from here, what CCDI and Swiss Embassy are doing here today. ”
