Beraka Better Life Initiative

BBLI Project 80/20 success stories 2020 to 2023

BBLI Back to School Scholarship Project – Sokoto State, 2022

Context and Background

Education is universally recognized as the foundation for social transformation, economic growth, and human development. Yet, millions of children in Nigeria, especially in northern states like Sokoto, remain out of school due to poverty, gender inequality, cultural practices, and lack of adequate learning resources.

According to UNICEF, Sokoto State has one of the highest out-of-school children rates in Nigeria, with many children unable to access quality education due to financial hardship and limited community support structures. Beraka Better Life Initiative (BBLI), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children, women, and youth, launched the Back to School Scholarship Project in 2022 to address this pressing issue. The project sought to reduce the education gap, especially for vulnerable children in disadvantaged communities, by providing scholarships, school materials, mentorship, and community engagement. The project emerged from years of BBLI’s grassroots experience in Sokoto State. Having worked with communities on health, empowerment, and youth development, BBLI understood that without education, other interventions would not be sustainable. The Back to School Scholarship Project was therefore designed as a bold step towards ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for children, regardless of background. Project Objectives and Goals The overarching goal of the Back to School Project was to increase school enrollment and retention rates among vulnerable children in Sokoto State. Specific objectives included: To provide scholarships for tuition, uniforms, and learning materials to marginalized children. To reduce school dropouts, particularly among girls and children from low-income households. To engage parents, guardians, and community leaders in supporting children’s education. To strengthen awareness on the importance of education as a long-term investment for families and communities. To contribute towards Nigeria’s commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and related goals. By the end of the program, BBLI envisioned a ripple effect: more children returning to classrooms, families becoming advocates for education, and communities empowered to sustain the progress made. Implementation Process The Back to School Scholarship Project was implemented in 2022 across selected communities in Sokoto State. The process involved several carefully designed stages: 1. Needs Assessment BBLI conducted baseline assessments in collaboration with schools, community leaders, and parents to identify children most at risk of dropping out. Criteria included household poverty levels, gender disparities, orphaned children, and those displaced due to insecurity. 2. Beneficiary Selection Through a transparent community-driven approach, 120 children (65 girls and 55 boys) were selected to receive scholarships and school support packages. This ensured fairness, inclusivity, and community buy-in. 3. Scholarship and Support Distribution Beneficiaries received: Full scholarships covering tuition fees. Complete school uniforms and footwear. Exercise books, textbooks, and stationery. Hygiene kits for girls to support menstrual health and reduce absenteeism. 4. Mentorship and Awareness Sessions BBLI organized mentorship programs where teachers, youth leaders, and volunteers provided guidance, motivation, and life-skills training to students. Simultaneously, parent sensitization meetings were held to emphasize the importance of keeping children in school. 5. Monitoring and Evaluation Regular school visits and attendance tracking were conducted by BBLI field officers to measure progress, identify challenges, and ensure accountability. Reports were shared with stakeholders to maintain transparency. Key Achievements and Impact The Back to School Scholarship Project recorded remarkable achievements within its first year of implementation: 120 vulnerable children enrolled and retained in school through scholarship support. 65 girls empowered with access to education in communities where female dropout rates were high. Positive shift in parental attitudes: 85% of parents of beneficiaries pledged ongoing commitment to their children’s education. Community mobilization: Local leaders endorsed the project and integrated education advocacy into community dialogues. Improved academic performance: Beneficiaries recorded higher attendance rates and improved test scores compared to baseline data. Capacity building: 15 volunteer mentors trained to continue supporting students beyond the project timeline. Most importantly, the project restored hope to children who once believed education was beyond their reach. Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned While the project achieved its goals, several challenges highlighted the urgent need for continued support: Financial limitations meant that only 120 children could be supported, while hundreds more remained in need. Cultural barriers still discouraged some parents, especially in rural areas, from prioritizing girls’ education. Insecurity in certain communities disrupted outreach activities and posed risks for field staff. Limited teaching resources in schools affected the learning quality despite improved enrollment. From these challenges, BBLI learned that: Engaging parents and local leaders early is crucial for sustained community ownership. Partnerships with government agencies and NGOs can amplify impact and expand reach. A holistic approach (covering education, health, and empowerment) creates stronger resilience in communities. Success Stories / Testimonies Amina’s Story: Amina, a 12-year-old girl, had dropped out of school after her father lost his job. She stayed home helping her mother sell vegetables in the market. Through the Back to School Scholarship Project, Amina returned to school with full support. Today, she dreams of becoming a nurse and serves as a role model for her younger siblings. Parent Testimony: “I never thought my son would go back to school. The scholarship gave us relief. Now he wakes up every morning excited to learn. We are grateful to BBLI for giving us hope again.” – Parent from Wamakko LGA. These stories reflect the project’s impact on individual lives, families, and communities. Sustainability Approach BBLI believes in long-term solutions beyond temporary interventions. To ensure sustainability, the project adopted the following strategies: Community Ownership: Parents and leaders were involved in decision-making and encouraged to champion education as a collective responsibility. Volunteer Network: BBLI trained 72 local volunteers to monitor and support beneficiaries even after the scholarship year ended. Partnership with Schools: Schools committed to providing continued mentorship and support to beneficiaries. Integration with BBLI’s broader programs in youth empowerment, health, and livelihood support to reduce financial pressures on families. The Back to School Scholarship Project is therefore not a one-off event, but part of BBLI’s ongoing mission to break the cycle of poverty through education. Call for Partnership from International Organizations The 2022 Back to School Scholarship Project has shown what is possible when communities are supported with the right resources. However, the need in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large remains overwhelming. Millions of children still lack access to education due to poverty, insecurity, and systemic barriers. BBLI is therefore calling on international organizations, donor agencies, and philanthropic foundations to partner with us in scaling this impact. Together, we can: Expand scholarships to thousands of children across Sokoto and neighboring states. Provide digital learning tools and teacher training for modern education delivery. Address gender inequality by empowering more girls to stay in school. Build resilient communities where education, health, and livelihood support work hand in hand. We invite organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, Save the Children, Education Cannot Wait, UNHCR, World Bank, Global Partnership for Education, and private foundations to join us in this journey. By partnering with BBLI, you are not just funding a project—you are transforming futures, uplifting communities, and contributing to a world where every child has the right to learn. Conclusion The BBLI Back to School Scholarship Project (2022) in Sokoto State was a landmark initiative that redefined possibilities for vulnerable children. With 120 children brought back to classrooms, parents mobilized, and communities engaged, the project proved that education is the strongest investment for lasting change. As we look forward, BBLI remains committed to scaling up and ensuring that no child is left behind. We warmly welcome partnerships from international organizations, corporate bodies, and individual supporters to walk this journey with us. Together, we can rewrite the story of education in Sokoto State and beyond.