10th May, 2015
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in partnership with UNICEF will set up tent classes for children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) camp.
The SEMA Director of Planning, Relief and Disaster General, Alhaji Bulau Geidam, made the disclosure in an interview with NAN in Damaturu on Sunday.
Geidam, who is also the Administrator of IDPs camp, said that the measure was part of effort of the state government to ensure that children in the camp acquire basic education.
He said the agency was targeting to enrol 2,600 children in the IDPs camp for the programme, adding that more facilities would be created to accommodate additional children.
“Already, some non-governmental organisations have provided playing facilities for the children in the camp, which has help to keep them busy.
“As part of its responsibility, the State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) has also provided instruction materials for the children in order to facilitate their learning,” Geidam said.
Geidam also said all children in the camp had been immunised against polio, measles and other diseases during the just concluded African Vaccination Week.
The director said that the Yobe Agency for Mass Literacy had commerce skills acquisition training workshop for women in the camp in order to empower them to be self-reliant.
According to him, the agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs is targeting to train 1000 women on sowing and weaving to enable them cater for themselves.
“Some women lost their husband during the Boko Haram attacked which rendered them homeless that is why we want to empower them so that they can take care of their children.”
Also, Mrs Habiba Makinta, one of the IDPs from Ambiyan Tasha community in Gujba Local Government, expressed appreciation to the state government for providing them with accommodation, foods and shelter.
“We have been in this camp for the pass 40 days, government is providing three square meal for us on daily basis, taken care of our children, health and providing security for us,” Makinta told NAN.
Makinta, however, appealed to Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam to help them secure accommodation to enable them resume normal life, instead of staying in IDPs camp.
“Raining season and fasting period is fast approaching and living condition at the camp may not be comfortable for us during these period that is why we needs decent accommodation.”
NAN reports that there were over 3,291 people from seven communities in Gujba Local Government living inside Pampamari IDPs camp in Damaturu.
NAN observed that there was one mobile clinic, one standby ambulance and water tank as well as 13 toilet facilities inside the camp, while six toilet facilities were under construction.