Overview

The Back to School Project is an initiative launched by Gem Hub Initiative to address educational inequality and advance SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The project focuses on restoring access to education for vulnerable and out-of-school children in underserved communities, particularly Gbessa and Karonmajigi in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

What began as a single act of support has grown into a life-changing intervention restoring hope, dignity, and educational opportunity for dozens of children.

Approach

The project uses a responsive, community-driven, and needs-based intervention model to identify and support vulnerable children back into school.

Identification and Emergency Response

• Support initiated through urgent cases of financial need (e.g., examination fee support)
• Identification of out-of-school and at-risk children through community networks and schools
• Rapid response to prevent dropout and academic disruption

Strategic Partnership with Education Authorities

• Collaboration with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB)
• Ensures proper enrollment into government-approved schools
• Strengthens legitimacy and access to formal education systems

Direct Educational Support

• Payment of school enrollment and examination fees (BECE and transition support)
• Support for vulnerable students across junior and senior secondary levels
• Focus on continuity of education and smooth transition between classes

Community-Driven Expansion Model

• Leveraging community referrals and school-based identification systems
• Scaling support based on available funding and donor engagement
• Strong emphasis on equity and reaching the most vulnerable learners

Reach

• Successfully enrolled 7 vulnerable out-of-school children into Junior Secondary School in Gbessa community through formal UBEB approval.
• Supported 26 students in Government Secondary School Karonmajigi with BECE fees.
• Supported 16 students in Government Secondary School Gbessa with BECE fees.
• Supported 3 students in transitioning into Higher Institutions.

Impact

The Back to School Project has delivered strong and measurable educational and social outcomes:

• Prevention of dropout due to financial hardship at the completion of junior secondary school. 
• Increased school retention and transition to the next level of education, including higher institutions.

 Conclusion

The Back to School Project is a powerful demonstration of how timely intervention can transform lives. What began as support for one student has grown into a sustained initiative restoring education to dozens of vulnerable children. By removing financial barriers and working closely with education authorities, Gem Hub Initiative is helping children return to school, stay in school, and build a foundation for a better future.