Borno State in northeastern Nigeria has been severely plagued by a multifaceted crisis characterized by socioeconomic challenges, health vulnerabilities, educational setbacks, and ongoing insecurity. Violent insurgent attacks have led to the disruption of several lives, and many, especially children, are behind their peers in their educational progress.

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria, through a multi-dimensional approach, is working to restore and maintain access to safe and quality education in conflict-affected, hard-to-reach areas for school-aged Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as returnees and vulnerablehost community children in Borno.

As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure safe, inclusive, and dignified learning environments for vulnerable children, JRS Nigeria has successfully completed a series of school support interventions in the area under the project “Providing Access to Safe Quality Education for Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Children”.

In a significant milestone, JRS Nigeria held a handover ceremony for 9 newly constructed gender-segregated toilets, 15 renovated classroom blocks, and 7 fully equipped crèches. These interventions took place across six schools in Dikwa and Monguno Local Government Areas (LGAs), providing hundreds of conflict-affected children with safer and more conducive learning spaces. The gender-segregated toilets are especially critical in promoting hygiene, dignity, and privacy for girls – an essential component in reducing school absenteeism and encouraging continued education.

Equipping Classrooms for Quality Teaching and Learning

Further strengthening the educational system, JRS Nigeria distributed essential furniture and instructional materials to eight schools in Dikwa and Monguno LGAs. The handover included classroom chairs and desks, teachers’ tables and chairs, attendance registers, lesson planning books, stationery, visual teaching aids and more. The materials were carefully tailored to each school’s specific needs, aiming to enhance both teaching and learning experiences.

These interventions underscore JRS’s dedication to restoring dignity, promoting education, and rebuilding hope for conflict-affected children in Borno State. Through targeted support initiatives, JRS creates safer learning environments that empower children to thrive despite their circumstances. Even beyond the classroom, JRS engages with communities to foster inclusivity and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to education.

Supporting Girls’ Dignity

To mark the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated on 28 May, JRS Nigeria conducted awareness sessions and distributed hygiene kits to schoolgirls in eight schools across Monguno and Dikwa LGAs. Each hygiene kit was thoughtfully designed to support girls during menstruation, helping to build confidence, reduce stigma, and minimize school absences. The hygiene kit contained items like reusable sanitary pads, bathing and laundry soaps, body creams, and other hygiene products.

These efforts reflect JRS’s commitment to not only improving school infrastructure but also ensuring the emotional and physical well-being of female students. JRS Nigeria recognizes the importance of addressing the specific needs of girls in order to promote their education and overall development. By providing these essential hygiene kits, JRS is empowering young girls to stay in school and reach their full potential.