Help The Less Privileged hosted a 2-day event at the Gomorra Hotel in Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria. The sessions brought together key stakeholders, experts, and organizations working in the field of education for refugees and migrants. The aim was to discuss and explore innovative pathways to increase access to education, promote livelihood opportunities, and uplift the dignity of individuals affected by migration.
Session highlights:
Day 1: Participatory workshop to think of opportunities to increase access to education
The workshop was moderated by Ayuk Peterkings Ayuk, founder of the session host organization, who guided the discussions and ensured active participation from the attendees. The workshop had 72 attendees, including participants from International Aid Organizations such as UNHCR, who helped reflect on the importance and relevance of the topic. The workshop included four speakers who shared their expertise and insights, stimulating the understanding of all participants.
- Ako Alan Agbor discussed non-formal education pathways, emphasizing the need for flexible and inclusive learning opportunities.
- Hilda Njia highlighted scholarship opportunities as a means to support education for refugees and migrants.
- Ikpong Franklin provided valuable information about national universities and stressed the significance of technical and vocational education and training.
- Ngoe Thomas focused on the complementary education pathway for accessing educational opportunities in a third country.
Day 2: Panel Discussion on learning pathways for refugees and migrants whose education has been disrupted
The panel consisted of the same four speakers, each sharing their expertise on specific programs.
- Ako Alan Agbor presented on the accelerated education program, which aims to provide rapid and intensive learning opportunities.
- Hilda Njia focused on the catch-up program, which seeks to bridge educational gaps and enable students to integrate into mainstream education.
- Ikpong Franklin shed light on the instructional time extension program, which extends the learning period to accommodate the needs of refugees and migrants.
- Ngoe Thomas discussed the remedial program, which aims to address educational deficiencies and support individuals in reaching their full potential.
The sessions were interactive and informative and facilitated meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing around pathways to enhance access to education and reinstate disrupted education for refugees and migrants.
