In a groundbreaking step toward combating illiteracy in Benue State, a new adult education programme has officially launched in Gbatse, Ushongo Local Government Area, drawing massive community participation.
The initiative, spearheaded by Better Life Initiative in collaboration with Upswing and Revival Prayer Outreach, has already enrolled at least 183 learners. It offers free educational classes covering primary to junior secondary school levels, with plans for further expansion.
The programme was inaugurated at Gbatse Community Primary School on Thursday and witnessed overwhelming interest from residents eager to gain foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
According to a detailed report by Educa.ng, the event drew wide attention due to its unique mission of empowering adults through education.
Country Director of Upswing for Better Life Initiative, Ms. Maureen Okechukwu, expressed surprise at the high number of enrollees.
“We were amazed by the enthusiasm of the people here. It’s clear that education is deeply desired in this community,” Okechukwu said.
She noted that Gbatse was carefully selected for the programme due to its high illiteracy rate and the open support from community leaders and the traditional ruler.
His Royal Highness, Zika Pila Jeremiah III, the Zakir of Gbatse Kingdom, who officially flagged off the programme, encouraged learners to stay committed, describing education as the key to community progress.
Meanwhile, Apostle Wisdom Ezenyi of Revival Prayer Outreach, who also oversees the school, said the project started as a spiritual outreach but evolved after recognizing the community’s literacy challenges.
“We started with 183 learners, but this is just the beginning,” he stated, adding that the programme aims to extend to senior secondary levels.
The monarch generously donated the entire school facility to host the programme, a gesture highly praised by the organizers.
Additionally, seven adult learners have been sponsored into formal secondary schools, with two successfully sitting for the recent Junior WAEC exams, according to Apostle Wisdom.
With community-wide support, many Gbatse residents are hopeful this initiative will not only enrich individual lives but also catalyze community-wide transformation.
