Foundation Launches Cloth-a-child Project In FCT

By Angela Atabo

ATRED Foundation, an NGO has launched the pilot phase of its Cloth-a-Child Project to promote school enrolment, increase retention, and reduce poverty at the family and community levels.

Mrs Victory Akachukwu, Executive Director of the Foundation, announced this at the launch of the project’s pilot phase on Thursday in Abuja, where the initiative officially began in selected public schools.

Akachukwu explained the project would be implemented in four public primary schools across FCT: Mabushi, Sabon Gari, Bwari, Pasali in Kuje, and Mpape under Local Education Authorities.

She said the initiative was a strategic response to the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially girls who were disproportionately affected by poverty and cultural constraints.

“The project provides school uniforms, socks, and shoes to underserved children, encouraging enrolment, especially for girls, while reducing absenteeism and promoting retention in public schools,” Akachukwu stated.

She said that the project aimed to empower children with dignity, confidence, and hope, helping them overcome social barriers and complete their basic education without stigma or exclusion.

“This is about restoring hope, breaking barriers, and giving every child a fair chance at education. A simple uniform can bridge the gap between exclusion and opportunity,” she added.

In addition to distributing uniforms, ATRED Foundation awarded scholarships to three children, covering their education until completion, further reinforcing its commitment to long-term educational support.

Akachukwu noted that the foundation took a holistic approach, combining material aid with lasting educational investments, to help children thrive in spite of socio-economic challenges they might face.

She also announced plans to expand the Cloth-a-Child Project to all six area councils of the FCT and eventually into states with high numbers of out-of-school children.

According to her, this scale-up will ensure no child, especially vulnerable girls, is left behind due to poverty or lack of access to basic educational necessities like uniforms and school shoes.

She commended Peace Microfinance Bank, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Future Focus, Hassam Foundation, Beyond Border Foundation and Doxa Digital for making the initiative possible. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru