THIS IS THE “BETTER EDUCATION” PROJECT
Contents: Summary Statement Vision/Mission Statements Background Challenges Identified Project Implementation Conclusion
Engaging Primary Schools --- Engaging Parents --- Engaging the Community
Summary Statement: Primary education sets students on a path to lifelong learning, equipping them to succeed in contributing to the progress of a rapidly changing world. In the context of the Nigerian education system, there has been tenuous visible progress from academic training such as in academic quality of students, infrastructures, particularly roads for transportation or power for multiple purposes, or improved quality of life to rural populations like the Òkè Ògùn region. There remain lingering issues on the quality, relevance and efficiency of the overall education being provided. Engaging parents, teachers, students and the communities in achieving and sustaining effective reforms of the education system is a daunting challenge. Hence, there is the need for strategic collaborative relationships among all stakeholders in the community; parents, politicians, policymakers, businesses, educators and students, working to sustain a revitalized system. The SAYGER “BE” Project was inspired by the “Education for All” program proposed by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) forum in 2000 and its mission is predicated on the belief that the future of our children, indeed, our future, for a good life and fulfilling the promises of a better society begins with healthy life in and around the primary school classroom. The project will rely on undertakings by all concerned citizens to formulate a more meaningful and sustainable revitalization of the academic environments in primary schools in the Òkè Ògùn region of Oyo State. Building on the history and strengths of existing primary schools in the region emphasis will be placed on: 1. Primary school nutrition using a community collaboration program that provides free lunch to students, to promote their physical and psychological health; 2. Recruitment and retention of highly effective teachers in primary schools through improving welfare and supporting staff training; and 3. Actively seek and support other community projects that help revitalize the overall learning environment for primary school students. The project does not formulate a comprehensive strategy or tactics for bringing the whole Nigerian education system to that of 21st Century industrialized nations. It is hoped, albeit, that the ideas implicit in the project and their successful implementation will contribute, in some way, towards reinforcing all attempts at improving the education system in the region, such that it is more relevant to the needs of the people and in the best interest of their social, political and economic well being. As a public charitable organization the SAYGER Foundation depends on generous contributions and donations from family, friends, well-wishers and grants worldwide for its mission. Founded by Dr. Tokunbo Yerokun, the Foundation is guided by a trusted and elite Board of Directors while the administrative staff will be composed of Operating Officers that oversee volunteers and specific aspects of the Foundation projects. All consultants and operations officers are currently considered as functioning on a volunteer capacity.
Vision/Mission Statements:
The "BE" project envisions students in all primary schools in the Òkè Ògùn region equipped with the knowledgebase, life skills and attitudes that help them succeed and excel in all tiers of their academic experiences, as well as, effectively meet the social needs of their community and the global challenges of the future. The mission of the “BE” project is to increase teaching and learning capacities such that primary schools in the Òkè Ògùn region continuously evolve to more effectively meet changing circumstances. “We are, indeed, our own progress and with the proactive use of the power of vision, sustained positive outcomes from the education system will always be achieved”