FCT education secretariat concludes 12th BEARHUG children’s literacy programme

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Resource Centre has concluded the 12th edition of its annual Summer Holiday Children’s Literacy Programme, tagged BEARHUG (Books Enlighten and Reading Help Us Grow), with a strong emphasis on harnessing information and communication technology (ICT) for educational productivity.

The three-week programme, held from 4 to 22 August at the City Library, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, brought together children aged six to 16 for a series of literacy, creativity, and skills-based activities designed to productively engage them during the long vacation.

Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, explained that BEARHUG was conceived to nurture responsible citizenship among children while equipping them with essential life and academic skills. She noted that this year’s edition featured ICT training, entrepreneurship, a spelling bee, reading competitions, poetry, brainstorming sessions on current affairs, and motivational talks facilitated by non-governmental organisations.

Dr Abdulrahim observed that the spelling bee component helped to enrich the participants’ vocabulary while promoting social interaction among children from diverse backgrounds. She added that the initiative has contributed over the years to reducing vices such as bullying and lateness that often impede academic performance.

Commending her staff, particularly the Head of the City Library, Mr Lawrence Akumuo, for their dedication, the Director urged participants to apply the lessons learnt beyond the classroom. “Education goes beyond imparting knowledge; it is about cultivating curiosity, creativity, and character,” she said.

In her remarks, the Head of Administration of the Centre, Mrs Joan Abdullahi, praised the children’s enthusiasm, describing the programme as a platform that fosters personal development and lifelong learning. She encouraged the participants to keep striving for improvement.

Parents of some participants, Mr Peter A. and Mr Zaka Fatuwa, lauded the initiative for being both educative and morally enriching, stressing that it has sustained its relevance in promoting quality learning within the FCT.

One of the participants, Rasheed Oluwakorede, expressed joy at being part of the event, particularly highlighting the ICT sessions, which she described as “the driving force of the modern world.”

The event climaxed with the presentation of prizes to winners of various competitions, with first, second, third, and consolation awards given to deserving participants.

The BEARHUG initiative, which has run for over a decade, continues to demonstrate the FCT Administration’s commitment to promoting literacy, digital knowledge, and innovation among young people, in line with global educational trends.