COEC Model Schools

On May 31st 2024, COEC Model Schools proudly observed Menstrual Hygiene Day, embracing the theme "Together for a Period-Friendly World."

We kicked off the day with a captivating presentation by our very own Student President Ms. Kubai Precious Yakubu. Her insightful words empowered everyone to understand the importance of menstrual hygiene and dismantle the stigma often associated with periods.

Our Religious Studies Teacher Ms. Happy Mamman made a brief presentation on how to use and dispose of sanitary towels.

To ensure period positivity extends beyond words, we concluded the day by distributing sanitary towels to girls in our school community who have already begun their menstrual cycle. This practical support ensures their health, well-being, and confidence during their periods.

At COEC Model Schools, we believe that periods are a normal part of life, not something to be hidden or ashamed of. By observing Menstrual Hygiene Day, we create a safe and supportive environment where girls can thrive throughout their menstrual cycle.

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

To mark World Environment Day 5th June 2024, themed "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience," COEC Model Schools community took action!

Our Grades 2-10 Learners, alongside dedicated teachers from Grade 7, marched proudly through our community, raising awareness about this critical issue.

But they didn't stop there! Our eco-warriors actively participated in a cleanup initiative, picking up dirt along the way. Not only did they spread the message, but they also took concrete steps to improve their environment. We are proud of our Learners' enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference!

At COEC Model Schools, we are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence, but also a deep respect for our planet. Our Learners are the future, and by instilling a love for the environment at a young age, we are empowering them to become responsible global citizens.

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

Today, we had a joint event to mark Africa Day and Children's Day at COEC Model Schools.

It was a superb celebration of the gift of children and our rich culture.

All our Learners and staff came out dressed in their beautiful cultural attires. There were cultural presentations, food displays and exposés on some of the cultures represented in our school community.

It was more exciting for our Learners because for the first time ever, each parent presented a gift to his or her child to celebrate how special they are.

It was indeed a colourful celebration and we are happy with the experiences we keep giving our Learners and their families.

We are grateful to and for our parents who showed up to be part of the event.

We are proudly African and we celebrate our heritage as Nigerians.

Happy Children's Day to all of us!

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

On March 14th, 2024, COEC Model Schools embarked on an exciting field trip to the ECWA Theological Seminary in Kagoro!

Our school Librarian, school Vice Principal, Academic Dean, some Staff, and our Grade 1-10 Learners were in attendance.

This special field trip wasn't just for fun. It exposed our Learners to the vast resources available within a library setting, demonstrating its importance as a hub for knowledge and exploration. It was designed to:
• Spark a lifelong love of reading in our Learners!
• Teach them how to effectively utilize our very own school library and its resources. Understanding the different sections in a library and how to find information empowers Learners to become independent learners.
• Instruct them on the proper care of books, ensuring our library thrives for years to come.

At the Seminary's Gwamna Awan Library, we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Peter Udo, the librarian and through a guided tour; our Learners had the incredible opportunity to:
• Learn about the library's fascinating history named after its founder.
• Explore the various sections, including the reading area, reference section, and audiovisual section sparking curiosity in our Learners.
• Gain valuable insights into book organization and classification.

The trip culminated in a meeting with the Provost, who extended a heartfelt welcome and expressed his institution's openness to future collaborations. Our Academic Dean offered a grateful response, and we captured this special moment with a group photo.

We returned to CMS with students buzzing with excitement and newfound knowledge! This trip not only fostered a love of reading but also strengthened the connection between COEC Model Schools and the wider educational community.

The future is bright for our COEC readers!

COEC Model Schools roared with excitement in March as our incredible Learners in their various Houses battled it out in the annual Inter-House Sports Competition!

This year's event was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations and solidifying its place as our most epic competition yet!

The competition was fierce and cut across a wide range of athletic disciplines:
1. Track and Field: Soccer, Long Jump, High Jump, Relay Races, 2400m (6 Laps), 200m Race, and the thrilling 100m Race!
2. Fun and Games: Filling the Bottle, hilarious Sack Races, the Lime Race, Catch the Bus, and a special Parents' Race and Staff Race!
3. March Past: Each house showcased their unity and spirit in a colorful and coordinated march.

Green House dominated the competition claiming the top spot this year and leaving Yellow House in a well-deserved second place, Red House in third, and Blue House in fourth.

Every participant deserves a round of applause! The sportsmanship, teamwork, and pure joy on display were truly inspiring. We were also thrilled to see members of our host communities joining in the fun and competing alongside our Learners.

The dedication of our athletes, the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, and the participation of our valued community members created an unforgettable atmosphere.

We are grateful to everyone who participated, especially to all the sponsors who made this year’s event possible. Thanks to our super amazing donors, we are on our way to buying our own trophies before next year’s games!

The Inter-House Sports Competition is a cherished tradition at COEC Model Schools, fostering camaraderie, school spirit, and a love for healthy competition. We can't wait to see what next year's games bring!

Congratulations to Green House for taking home the coveted championship title!

School Spirit is SOARING in our community this Week! ⚽️

Our House competitions kicked off in a fiery blaze with Soccer.

Here's the score so far:

Team Red vs. Team Blue: 3-1 (Red takes the lead!)
Team Green vs. Team Yellow: 0-1 (Yellow's got the edge!)

Next set of matches decide the champions!

Who will reign supreme?

Team Red vs. Team Yellow
Team Blue vs. Team Green

Let us know in the comments which house you're cheering for!



COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

Today, we kick off our 2024 Inter-House Sports Competition with football matches.

It's Red House Vs Yellow House and
Blue House Vs Green House.

The winners from today's matches will play against each other tomorrow likewise the losing teams.

Let the games begin!

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

Preparations for our annual Inter-house Sports competition have been in top gear.

It will be a week-long competition with the grand finale on the 22nd of March 2024.

We look forward to having so much fun and hope you stick around to share in it.

Thank you for doing this with us!

The women in our school community dressed up in Purple to mark International Women's Day 2024 and they all looked so gorgeous.

There was a special event to honour them.

We are super proud of these women and all they are helping to accomplish at the school.

We are blessed and grateful to have them on the team!

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

We have some exciting updates to share with you from our school community.

1. This January, we had 11 new children and their families join our school community. We started with 9 children and now, we have 66 children and their families partnering with us and trusting us for their education. We see this as the highest privilege and are committed to doing more.

2. We have finally purchased forms from the Kaduna State Ministry of Education to register all our schools (Nursery-Secondary) with the Ministry. This happened because we were blessed with a donation from Union Bank. We remain super grateful to Union Bank for their generosity and support towards our vision for quality education in rural communities.

We have only begun the registration process but we are excited about what this means for our school.

3. During our Parent Staff Conference (PSC) in February, the PSC took a remarkable initiative by adopting a teacher and committing to pay their monthly allowance. Witnessing this level of commitment from our parents reaffirms the strong partnership we have forged in educating their children. The decision was entirely voluntary on their part, demonstrating their deep investment in the school's mission.

4. Looking ahead to the next academic session, we are diligently preparing to accommodate an SS 2 class and provide them with all necessary resources. We are thrilled to share that the School of Agricultural Science, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic in Samaru Kataf has graciously agreed to partner with us. This partnership will allow our learners to utilize their state-of-the-art Science and Computer Labs until we establish our own facilities.

Words can't express our gratitude not just to God but to all of you who keep giving and supporting this dream. We are changing the narratives for these children and their families and giving them an education they would not have otherwise gotten.

Thank you for being on this journey with us and Community Outreach For Educational Change- COEC.

Let's do more!

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

Celebrating International Women's Day 2024 with COEC's Remarkable Women!

Today, on International Women's Day, COEC proudly joins the global community in celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women worldwide. This year's theme, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,' speaks to the importance of empowering women economically to drive positive change and progress in our societies.

At COEC, we recognize the invaluable role of women in shaping the future of education and beyond. To mark this special day, we shine the spotlight on our exceptional female employees who embody the spirit of dedication, passion, and innovation in their roles.

Meet Our Inspirational COEC Women in their profiles attached to this post.

As we celebrate the achievements of women today, let us also reflect on the importance of inclusion and diversity. Our campaign theme for the year, 'Inspire Inclusion,' underscores our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Join us in honoring and uplifting women around the world as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, let's invest in women, accelerate progress, and inspire positive change!

Happy International Women's Day!

To mark the International Day of Education 2024, Community Outreach For Educational Change- COEC led by Executive Director Ms Swanta Blessing Bonat, went on a courtesy visit to the District Head of Jei District in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. This significant event was attended by our COEC Model Schools' dedicated staff, learners, supportive parents, and esteemed guests, making it a truly memorable day for us and our school community.

Teacher Swanta, in her introductory speech, stated the mission and vision of COEC. She shared the inspiring story of how COEC was born out of a deep desire to bridge the educational gap in rural communities, driven by her personal experiences as a teacher. With unwavering commitment, COEC aims to provide quality education to all children, irrespective of their location, empowering them to compete on a global scale.

The Student President of COEC Model Schools, Ms. Kubai Precious Yakubu, delivered a poignant speech, reflecting on the theme of "Learning for Lasting Peace." She emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, sustainable development, and equity in education, urging collective efforts to build a peaceful world through education.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Parent-Staff Conference (PSC) presented insights on Safe Schools and advocated for urgent action by the District Head to address safety concerns in educational institutions of Jei District and Southern Kaduna as a whole.

In response, the District Head of Jei District, Mr. Luka Adankat, expressed heartfelt appreciation for COEC's efforts. He commended COEC for its innovative approach to education and pledged full support for our initiatives. Mr Adankat spoke about the importance of extending COEC's impact to neighbouring schools and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting education and peace in the district.

A branded Tee-Shirt (Education for Lasting Peace), along with two documents - a Communiqué highlighting key action points on Safe Schools and Safe Schools at a Glance, were presented to the District Head by the Student President and PSC Chairman, marking the culmination of this momentous visit.

Together, we celebrate the power of education to transform lives and communities, reaffirming our commitment to building a brighter future for all. 📚🌍

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

After the successful conclusion of our Prefects' Retreat, we inaugurated our Prefects for the 2023/2024 Academic Session on the 25th of January 2024.

In the presence of all other members of the school community, the newly appointed Prefects signed their contracts during a solemn general assembly, symbolizing their commitment to uphold the values and responsibilities entrusted to them.

Following the signing of contracts, all Heads of Departments ceremoniously adorned each Prefect with their official prefect's berets, signifying their authority and leadership within our school community.

This was followed by the reading of the Prefects Pledge by the inaugurated prefects and the event ended with a speech by the Student President.

With this, our Prefects have embarked on their journey of service and leadership. We eagerly anticipate the lasting impact they will make in their respective roles as they inspire, lead, and serve with unwavering dedication.

Let the magic begin!

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

On the 23rd of January 2024, we made history as we hosted our inaugural Prefects Retreat!

During this groundbreaking event, we empowered our prefects to become leaders who will make a lasting impact, not only within our school community but also in their future endeavours.

Throughout the retreat, our esteemed resource persons guided our prefects through a series of enlightening workshops, covering essential topics such as:

🌟 Leadership: Discovering the qualities of effective leadership and how to inspire others.
🌟 Individual Identity and Teamwork: Understanding the importance of individual strengths within a team dynamic.
🌟 Time Management: Learning valuable strategies for optimizing time and productivity.
🌟 Effective Communication: Mastering the art of clear and impactful communication.
🌟 Conflict Resolution: Developing skills to address and resolve conflicts constructively.
🌟 Leadership for Impact: Harnessing leadership skills to create meaningful change.
🌟 Job Descriptions: Clarifying roles and responsibilities to ensure efficient teamwork.

By focusing on these critical areas, our prefects are now equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to lead with confidence and integrity.

We believe that investing in the leadership development of our students today will pave the way for a brighter and more empowered tomorrow.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make every step of the way!

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria

At COEC Model Schools, our mission is to prepare and equip all our learners, parents, and staff for global citizenship.

Following our Training of Trainers Workshop on Safe Schools Implementation held in January and led by our School Manager, we embarked on a meaningful visit to Mr. Augustine Alex Bobai, the Leader of the Matagama community.

During our visit, we extended our warm regards and appreciation for his unwavering support, ensuring that our school operates smoothly within the community. We also had the opportunity to share insights about Safe Schools implementation in Nigeria and the successful workshop we conducted. Additionally, we discussed our plans to visit the District Head of Jei (Ungwar Gaiya) District to commemorate the International Day of Education.

The reception we received from Mr. Bobai was truly heartwarming. He expressed his delight about our school and the impactful work we're doing. He pledged his full support for Safe Schools implementation, especially in light of the security challenges in Southern Kaduna. His commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for our students was deeply reassuring, and he promised to actively participate in our upcoming visit to the District Head.

Our visit was attended by key representatives, including the Chairman of the Parent Staff Conference, the School Principal and his VP, the School Administrator, the Academic Dean, and the Student President. Together, we are united in our mission to transform individuals and communities through education.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our vision of education that educates, empowers, and liberates.

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

We kicked off the 3rd Quarter of our academic year at COEC Model Schools with a powerful 2-day Training of Trainers on Safe Schools Implementation.

In January, our dedicated school staff, Grade 10 learners, and parent representatives came together for an intensive workshop focused on ensuring the safety and security of our school community.

As a Safe Schools Advocate and a Master Trainer on Safe Schools implementation in Nigeria, our School Manager was the facilitator during the workshop.

Topics covered included:

Safe Schools Declaration
Safe Schools Common Approach
Guiding Principles for Safe Schools
Minimum Standards for Safe Schools
Addressing Violence in Schools
Child Protection and Safeguarding
Developing a School Safety Plan and Risk mapping
Emergency preparedness and response
The Role of Stakeholders in School Safety and
Conducting Evacuation Drills Effectively.

This comprehensive training equipped our team with the knowledge and tools needed to create a secure learning environment where every Learner and all other school users can thrive.

At the end of the training, the participants came up with a School Safety Plan for 2024 and also a Communique to be shared with the District Head Jei District where the school is located for further action.

We desire above all else for our school to be a safe, secure and violent-free environment for learning.

Check the links in the comments for more on this...

https://africaprimenews.com/2024/01/nigeria-coec-harps-on-full-implementation-of-safe-school-declaration

Nigeria: COEC Harps On Full Implementation Of Safe School Declaration

This week, our School Manager was here alongside all staff to receive our Learners back from the Christmas holiday.

Learning began on Monday the 15th and we are already at a great start facing the Quarter with energy.

We hope you stick around to enjoy the Quarter with us.

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

Work resumed this week and we are already in earnest preparation for the new school Quarter starting Monday next week the 15th.

Yesterday was for a meeting with the School Management Team at the school convened by our School Manager while today was for the General Staff Meeting.

Tomorrow, we begin the Training of Trainers Workshop on Safe Schools Implementation in COEC Schools. The last time we did this at school was in 2022 and there's a need for it again because we have new members of staff on the team and new parents.

We look forward to seeing what the year brings for all of us at COEC Model Schools and you will be updated every step of the way.

Thank you for doing this with us and talk to you again soon!

From our School Manager,

In 2019, we started the School Feeding program at a school in Kebbi State. This was to solve the problem of poor eating habits by school children because of lack. We noticed a lot of challenges with their growth and physical development, especially in the younger children. This fed 196 schoolchildren breakfast and lunch for an academic year.

Then, when we started COEC Model Schools in 2021, we also noticed a similar problem with this set of children in Southern Kaduna and due to the generosity of our donors in the Scholarship Hub and the parents at the school, we also introduced the feeding program for 56 Learners.

With our rich menu made up of the almighty Turn Brown for breakfast, Rice with Vegetable Soup and fish, Swallow with Okra, ugu and fish, Beans and Sweet Potato Porridge with spinach and fish, Jollof Rice with fish, Swallow with Vegetable Soup and fish, and boiled eggs, we are fighting malnutrition, stunted growth and underdevelopment amongst school children in these rural communities as this hugely affects their quality of life and learning outcomes.

Since we introduced daily meals in the school program, the Learners respond better to learning and we have seen an improvement in their learning outcomes. On days we are not able to cook, most of them struggle to pull through the school day and it becomes a barrier to their learning.

School will resume in 2 weeks and I am inviting you to do this with us this year.

So far, our donors in the Scholarship Hub provide the funds for ingredients while the parents at the school provide the grains to be cooked.

Unfortunately, with 56 children to feed daily, we are not able to give the quality of meals we desire anymore because of the recurrent hike of things in the market.

Your donation can cater for

1. One meal at N1000 $1
2. Weekly meals per child at N5,000 $5
3. Monthly meals per child at N20,000 $20 and
4. Plenty of meals as you wish 😁

Join the campaign today!

Send support to
Community Outreach for Educational Change - Scholarship
1016417228
Zenith Bank Plc

Sincerely,
Teacher Blessing Swanta Bonat,
For COEC Nigeria.

Happy New Year!

May 2024 bring you joy, peace, and fulfilment!

Here's to a New Year filled with even greater achievements and shared successes.

REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF RESILIENCE AND IMPACT

Dear Donors, Partners, and Supporters,

As we approach the end of this transformative year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support in our mission to bring quality education to children in rural and disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.

This year has been a remarkable journey filled with both challenges and triumphs, and I am thrilled to share some of the significant milestones we achieved together.

1. Inspirational School Leader of the Year Award: I am deeply humbled and honoured to share that our collective efforts were recognized when I was honoured with the "Inspirational School Leader of the Year" award by Meadow Hall Foundation. This accolade belongs to each of you who tirelessly contribute to our cause, driving positive change and inspiring hope in the hearts of countless children.

2. Impact at EMS Children's School Jos: The impact we've made at EMS Children's School has been profound. Through your support, we provided essential learning experiences and empowered both students and teachers to strive for excellence.

3. Remembering Our School Administrator: This year, we faced the heartbreaking loss of our School Administrator at COEC Model Schools. His dedication and passion for our mission will always be remembered. We honour his legacy by continuing to work towards the vision he believed in so deeply.

4. New Partnerships: The growth of our organization is a testament to the power of collaboration. We were able to partner with 11 organisations and individuals to carry out various projects. The launch of our Community Innovation Lab at Hedges of Mercy under their girl child rescue project is one of the most exciting partnerships we nurtured this year. We are excited to announce new partnerships that will broaden our reach and amplify our impact in 2024.

5. Launch of Senior Secondary School Program: Our commitment to holistic education took a significant leap forward with the launch of our Senior Secondary School program at COEC Model Schools. This milestone ensures that we can guide and support our students throughout their educational journey.

6. Success Stories from our Scholarship Hub: The Scholarship Hub has been a beacon of hope for many children in the rural communities we work with. Through your generosity, we've witnessed numerous success stories, where education has been the key to unlocking a brighter future and are currently providing high-quality education to 16 children on full scholarships in our Hub.

7. Nutritional Needs Met by the School Feeding Program: Our Fed to Learn School Feeding Program has not only addressed the nutritional needs of our students but has also created a conducive environment for learning by ensuring that no child goes to class on an empty stomach. We say thank you to the sponsors of this and the parents at the school for providing the grains.

This year, despite the challenges we faced, your belief in the power of education has continued to shine brightly. Together, we have witnessed the resilience and determination of young minds eager to learn, proving that education is a beacon of hope that can overcome any obstacle.

As we look back on the accomplishments of this year, let us carry the spirit of resilience and optimism into the coming year. Your continued support has been instrumental in bringing positive change and building bridges to a brighter future for the children we serve.

Together, let us look forward to another year of making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank you for being a crucial part of the Educational Change family and for being the driving force towards the implementation of our shared vision.

See you in 2024!

Warm regards,
BONAT, Blessing Swanta,
Executive Director,
Community Outreach for Educational Change.

We can't end the year without giving you an update on our annual End-of-Year Funfair.

It was like none other. We had so much fun especially when Santa showed up displaying his dance moves to the delight of our Learners and their parents.

We went through face painting, Christmas Lessons from the Bible, class presentations from our Learners, a news broadcast from the CMS Television Network, and party Jollof Rice with drinks and gifts from Santa Claus.

This year's event was supported by our parents and 2 Secret Santas who gave funds towards this and we say a huge "Thank you!"

The team did an excellent job with organisation and coordination which ensured the success of the event. There were no hitches whatsoever and the transition from one activity to another was smooth and timely.

We had fun. Danced, laughed and ate good food appreciating God for a splendid year.

We look forward to 2024's Funfair already.

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org

From our School Manager

"Why The School Project is recording this huge success at COEC Model Schools is because of the dedication and commitment of the team at the school. I can't begin to explain to you the amount of work these staff put into the school. Each time I talk about them, I feel a sense of pride that leaves me speechless.

You see, our annual graduation ceremony in July left me the most emotional, proud and satisfied team leader. We are only 3 years old but we have accomplished what has exceeded my expectations in that parents, learners and even the traditional/community leader bear testimonies to this. To add to this, the Palace chose our school as one of the schools it sent its scholarship beneficiaries to and this speaks beyond what words can express.

Since we began in 2021, the only way we have been able to pay these staff their allowances has been through our (PaRT) Campaign which helps us raise money for allowances through individuals who have opted to adopt members of staff.

Unfortunately, for the past year, we have thought deeply about the future of this school because of the economic crisis in the country. For most of the last session, we were neck-deep in debt to enable the running of the school and payment of staff allowances. Late last year, they had gone for 3 months without their allowances yet, they showed up to school EVERY DAY teaching and holding things together.

As we step into 2024, I am inviting you, your loved ones, people you know and your various groups of association to consider adopting a staff or 2 or even more. A school is only as good as the quality of its staff, especially teachers. This team is the one holding this dream of giving high-quality education to children in rural Nigeria together. Their welfare is of utmost priority to us and we need you to help us keep them so that this school remains open in 2024.

To join the PaRT campaign, it costs between N15,000 to N40,000 monthly to adopt a staff at the school.

You can give us a chat and call on 07030692870 or email [email protected] for adoption. You can also simply send support to

Community Outreach for Educational Change
0129317998
Union Bank

I look forward to having you on board.

Thank you for doing this with us and talk to you soon.

Sincerely,
Teacher Swanta Blessing Bonat,
For COEC Nigeria."

COEC: Educate, Empower, Liberate!
www.coecnigeria.org