ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT RAMPS UP INVESTMENT IN CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION

By Obianuju Isima

The administration of Chukwuma Soludo has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare, education, healthcare, and protection of children in Anambra State, in line with the objectives of Children’s Day celebration.

One of the major initiatives of the administration is the introduction of free and compulsory education in public schools from primary level to Senior Secondary School (SS3). The policy is aimed at increasing access to education, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and easing the financial burden on parents across the state.

To further strengthen the education sector, the state government recruited over 8,000 teachers to improve the quality of teaching and learning in public schools, noting that the recruitment exercise was part of efforts to secure a better future for Anambra children through quality education.

The administration has also upgraded several schools into Smart Schools equipped with digital learning facilities, internet access, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) laboratories to prepare students for a technology-driven world.

In the health sector, the government expanded free antenatal and delivery services, renovated health centres, and partnered with organizations such as UNICEF on child healthcare programmes. The programmes include measles-rubella vaccination campaigns targeted at improving child survival and wellbeing.

As part of efforts to protect children, the government strengthened policies against child labour, exploitation, and abuse while promoting safer learning environments and children’s rights. The administration has continued to enforce laws and frameworks aimed at ensuring every child remains in school and protected from abuse.

The state government has also intensified security measures to reduce disruptions to academic activities caused by insecurity and the Monday sit-at-home order, thereby enabling children to attend school regularly and safely.

In the area of youth empowerment, programmes such as One Youth Two Skills, Code Anambra, and Solution Innovation District have continued to provide skills acquisition and digital training opportunities for young people, preparing them for entrepreneurship and future employment.

Speaking during previous Children’s Day celebrations, Governor Soludo described children as “the bridge to the future” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in education, healthcare, and child welfare across Anambra State.