Bauchi Community has turned to rice farming to fund new classroom in their school as the existing structure remains in a dilapidated condition.
Residents of Wuro Jiban, a community in Bula, Tafawa Balewa local government area of Bauchi State, have banded together uniquely to confront the daunting challenge of lacking a school building for their children harnessing the proceeds of rice cultivation.
The Residents took to the fields, working together to raise money to build a classroom from the ground up.
The village head Wuro Jiban, Sa’idu Magaji, shared his thoughts on the initiative, as he joined the villagers in the laborious task of harvesting rice.
He said all the people are united by one goal; to earn money to build a school so their children can have a better chance at learning.
He added that at the moment, children from the community receive lessons under a tree near the collapsed structure of the old school.
Magaji said that when it rains, there is no learning, and when the sun is high, it is uncomfortable for both students and teachers.
He explained that the community’s efforts go beyond simply gathering funds.
With the money they make from the joint farm labour, they intend to make mudblocks, laying the foundation and building walls one by one.
He emphasized their hopes to eventually roof the school with zinc if they can save enough, providing a permanent structure to shelter the children from the elements and create an environment conducive to learning. “
Magaji shared their dream, which is to see this school stand tall, built by their own hands if they have to, expressing hope that the authorities at Tafawa Balewa local government will recognize their efforts and come to their aid.
The cooperative spirit in Wuro Jiban runs deep. Farmers like Bilkisu and Amina, who were out in the field threshing rice alongside their neighbours, expressed a shared commitment to the cause.
To them, their village has so many needs, but right now, building this classroom is their top priority.
Amina added that people from neighbouring villages have also joined in, seeing Wuro Jiban’s struggle and lending their support to the project.
Despite their resilience, the people of Wuro Jiban face an uphill battle. Roads in the village are in poor condition, and resources are limited. Yet, they continue to push forward, refusing to let circumstances dictate the future of their children’s education.
Whether their effort will draw the attention and support it deserves remains uncertain, but one thing is sure—their determination stands as an inspiring testament to what a united community can achieve.
Reacting Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) described the effort of the community as commendable and worthy of emulation by all.
Spokesperson of SUBEB in Bauchi, Mohammed Abdullahi said the board would not hesitate to support and augment the efforts of residents of Wuro Jiban to provide quality education for their children.
He urged leaders of the community to write to the board specifying their areas f need to allow the board to specially intervene.
