About the project

Shaffa is a small town in Borno state, north east Nigeria. Shaffa Community Day Secondary School (SCDSS) was set up in 1994 by the town's local community in response to a severe shortage of secondary schools in the area.  It is a local initiative, and according to local sources it is the better of the two senior schools in the town. 

The school caters for pupils aged 11-16 and reflects the growing desire of Nigerians to educate their children. Pupils pay 2100 Naira (£8.40) per year in fees, but certain families cannot afford this sum and there are no bursaries available. School uniforms are extra to the fees.

The school has now achieved examination status.  It is hoping to raise funding for a science laboratory, library and hall.

The people involved

There are around 600 pupils in the school and around 15 teachers.  The principal – Philemon Thlama Birma – was interviewed by Helen Butler* in September 2004. 

The school also has sixteen National Youth service corps member from different universities and polytechincs who help with the teaching on a voluntary basis.

* (Helen visited the school and has given considerable support to Cherish during her time volunteering at St Andrews Nottingham and thereafter). 

How you can help

We are keen to assist this community, which has been so proactive in helping itself. The school's most pressing need is for science equipment and English textbooks, which are currently only available for teachers. Textbooks only cost N450 (around £1.90) each.

Do you know a school which is getting rid of old textbooks?  If so please contact us - if they are suitable for Shaffa they would be greatly valued by the school. 

The fabric of the school is also in need of renovation.

We would be happy to transport books or to pass on any financial support that you feel able to give.

Latest news

Numbers of students are increasing.  There is an ongoing need for science equipment and textbooks, as well as improvements to the buildings.

Context

Nigeria is the most populous country of Africa with 140 million people - more than double the population of the UK!
It has a large oil industry.

Agricultural products include groundnuts, palm oil, cocoa, coconut, citrus fruits, maize, pearl millet, cassava, yams and sugar cane.  It also has a booming leather and textile industry.

However, some people in the country suffer from poverty and its effects:

• One in five children dies before the age of five.
• 7 million children are not in school.
• Over 70 million people live on less than $1a day.

(Source: Dept. for International Development)

Quote

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'  Matthew 25:40