ASP
Alternate School Programme

ASP

An intervention focused on providing education in a flexible way to out-of-school children. The aim is to reduce the risk of child trafficking, stealing children, recruiting children into criminal activities, children on drugs, and the use of children in cultist activities. 

Why We Do What We Do
There are many reasons children do not go to school. Gender inequalities, socio-cultural norms, and lack of basic needs top the list. Sometimes, they may be enrolled in apprenticeships or even be unable to access the school structure.
Every child has the right to education, no matter their circumstances, and the ASP will be part of what ensures that many underprivileged children get access to education.

Our Impact

The ASP exists to bring basic education to these children so that they are equipped with the education and skills to be part of the social economy as they grow. At a minimum, these children will be equipped with arithmetic, literacy, basic technology, and social studies education.The Program pairs with the National Home Grown School Feeding Program (NGHSFP) to feed the children enrolled through the ASP The Programme is co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and the Federal Ministry of Education bringing our mandates together so that we are doing our part to ensure that no one is left behind.

How will the ASP benefit Nigerians?

The ASP will reduce the number of Out-Of-School Children (OOSC) while providing social protection to them and their families or guardians.Some of these OOSC are loitering around the towns and cities, others are at the markets, some are at the mechanic and spare-parts villages, some are at the motor parks, and many are the Almajiris.Most of these children are about 10 – 12 years old today. They are already vulnerable to risks including child trafficking, stealing children, recruiting children into criminal activities, children on drugs, use of children in cultist activities, etc. In the next 10 years, they will be 20 – 22. If these children are left out there, the result will not be a pleasant one. Reducing the number of OOSC will reduce the risks these children are faced with. These are the short to medium-term benefits of the ASP.This ability to provide education and social welfare to children is an investment for Nigeria’s future. When we invest in our nation’s children, when we provide them with the ability to be productive members of society – that benefits us all.

FAQ

Common questions about ASP

What do ASP and OOSC stand for?

ASP means Alternate School Programme and OOSC means Out-Of-School-Programme.

The ASP is an intervention programme focused on providing education in a flexible way to the OOSC while also providing them with Social Investment Program benefits.

How is the ASP different from other government and non-government agencies targeted at OOSC?

The ASP is different because it also targets the humanitarian and social challenges faced by the OOSC. – it is a social protection programme with elements of Education. 

How will the beneficiaries be chosen?

The children will be chosen from all over the country. Different groups of children are unable to access education including those in vulnerable conditions, victims of insurgency and social and environmental dislocation, children on the street and in markets, etc. 

Why is the NSIP involved with the ASP?

The NSIP was specifically established to coordinate all poverty eradication activities in Nigeria and facilitate effective cooperation between all stake stakeholders in poverty eradication. This is to ensure the deployment of an effective social safety net system for the poor and vulnerable Nigerians including those that are affected by disasters, mainly to manage the poverty levels in our Country at the barest minimum.

So, Out Of School Children (OOSC) are part of the poor and vulnerable, whose management falls under the generic mandate of my Ministry. Part of building a sustainable pathway to development involves giving vulnerable citizens the tools to be able to forge their success. The ability to read, write and have specialised vocational skills will benefit these children in the short and long term.                

How will the ASP be implemented?

We have taken a multi-sectoral approach to this and our partners span across Government, the private sector, and civil society organisations. It is important to implement this programme strategically and efficiently and we have made efforts to strengthen our relationships to achieve a good outcome. We are all working together to provide this solution for OOSC and ensure that we reach as many as possible.

How do you address Nigerians who feel this will be a waste of resources?

We want to assure Nigerians that this programme utilises already existing resources. We have learned lessons from past interventions and along with our partners, we are committed to applying these lessons and bridging the remaining gaps. It is not simply a case of throwing more resources at a problem, but creatively targeting and providing a solution to problems.