Programmes & initiatives
The Learning Centres
The Flagship Learning Centre
The NECT flagship Learning Center, established in 2017 in Maiduguri is an ecosystem that provides a safe living and learning space for 559 vulnerable, displaced children from Borno (the epicenter of the crisis) and Yobe states. Operations at the Center are curated towards upholding the highest standard of education in consonance with the UNDP’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).
So far:
- 60 students have successfully concluded foundational and advanced coding classes necessary to equip them with 21st century digital skills.
- 171 students graduated at the end of 2020/21 academic session and successfully transited to secondary schools across Maiduguri.
- 4 students have transited to university – 1 to American University of Nigeria, Yola and 3 to Borno State University, Maiduguri.
- 110 students benefitted from the STEM/digital skills programme (programming & coding).
The Learning Centre II
In 2019, NECT adopted, upgraded and remodeled the Maiduguri International School (Education Trust), a community owned school established in 1981 as part of her efforts to improve access to education for children affected by the insurgency who reside in host communities. With this strategic partnership, NECT aims to foster communities of learning by supporting existing academic institutions in the region.
So far:
- 726 students have directly benefited from enhancements to educational infrastructure (books, classrooms, ICT systems, WASH facilities etc).
- There has been Regular teacher training programs.
- Scholarships for orphaned children at the school.
- Graduation of 2020/21 class.
Education Resource Centre
The Education Resource Centre evolved based on NECT’s focus on UN’s SDG 4 (quality education) to integrate more immersive experiences that have been proven to enhance learning among students. The Education Resource Centre is an integral part of NECT’s efforts to create social impact partnerships within the local community.
Activities at the Education Resource Centre include:
The Learning Support Programme
This program is designed to provide senior secondary students from public schools in Maiduguri the opportunity to prepare for practicals and experiments in their final exams (WASSC, GCE etc). Additionally, a retreat is organised by NECT for teachers from participating schools to enable them to optimally assist their students.
The participating schools are;
- Command Science Secondary School, Maiduguri.
- Government Secondary School, Maiduguri.
- Government Day Secondary School, Maiduguri.
Government College, Maiduguri.
Computer Based Testing (CBT) Center
The 250-seater capacity test center is sustainably powered with renewable energy and adequately equipped with facilities such as CCTV security, air conditioning among other requisite amenities. The test centre is approved for JAMB exams and is hailed as one of the best test locations by the Borno State Ministry of Education.
Transition Programme
The NECT transition programme is designed to provide support to 171 students that have recently graduated from the flagship Learning Center and have either resumed at secondary schools or have started a technical vocation. The programme aims to integrate these students who have been prepared for lifelong learning into state secondary schools.
Activities under the transition programme include:
- The creation of a ‘follow-up’ committee comprised of teachers from the Learning Center to supervise the onboarding of the students in collaboration with their new teachers.
- Financial support for the students through payment of school fees and provision of school kits.
- Learning support for the ‘host’ schools through the deployment of learning kiosks. The ‘learn at home’ kiosks are solar powered containers reminiscent of retail kiosks that are pre-loaded with audiovisual learning content based on the Nigerian curriculum. The material can be downloaded by students from primary 4 to SS3 to watch and listen to, on their devices.
- Financial and mentorship support for 26 vocational interns.
Vocational & Technical Training Centres
The technical training centre provides livelihood opportunities for students whose interests are more vocationally than academically inclined. The training opportunities available are –
- Carpentry
- Auto-mechanical engineering
- Solar and Electrical/Electronic engineering
- Metal work
- Agro-business and farming