AREAi recently launched a report titled “Transforming Education for Lifelong Learning,” highlighting the impact of its foundational learning program, FASTRACK, which has reached over 120 communities across the country. At the launch, AREAi Executive Director Prince Gideon Olanrewaju highlighted the organization’s notable achievements, with particular emphasis on the success of government partnerships.
“The success of our work is largely dependent on government adoption,” Olanrewaju explained.
He added, “We are excited to have secured two key partnerships that put us on the path to large-scale adoption.”
One such collaboration is with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs, enabling AREAi to implement foundational learning in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). According to Simeon Edidiong, AREAi’s Director of Programs, collaboration has been key in transforming the literacy capacity of refugees.
“It is important to note that we conducted a pilot program to teach basic and digital skills to 4,000 learners aged 5 to 20 years, spread across eight IDP camps in Abuja and Nasarawa states,” he said.
This pilot program paved the way for the expansion of the program to all IDP camps in all 36 Nigerian states, significantly increasing AREAi’s reach.
The FASTRACK program, which focuses on literacy and numeracy, has so far reached over 25,000 beneficiaries.
“We have recorded a 65% improvement in literacy and numeracy among participants,” said Funmilola Ahmadu Bamidele, AREAi’s Senior Program Manager.
Beyond literacy, the broader impact of the program has been felt on social and emotional levels.
“FASTRACK has two key outcome indicators: improved literacy and numeracy proficiency, as well as increased enrollment rates,” explained Bamidele.
It is clear that AREAi’s work is helping to create positive and meaningful change in the lives of thousands of people across Nigeria, building the foundational skills needed for a brighter and more promising future.