Opening a Window to the Outside World with Computers

One in ten children in Nigeria are classified as
“vulnerable,” according to the Federal Ministry of
Women’s Affairs & Social Development
(FMWASD). A child is classified as vulnerable if,
because of the circumstances of birth or
immediate environment, is prone to abuse or
deprivation of basic needs, care and protection
and thus disadvantaged relative to his or her
peers. This makes Nigeria’s orphan and
vulnerable children burden one of the highest in
the world. A recent situation assessment and
analysis conducted by the FMWASD found that
approximately 80 per cent of these children were
not attending school.
“The rate of vulnerable children attending school
is particularly concerning as the best way to
alleviate poverty and create opportunities for
young people is to provide them with a quality
education,” said Uzo Nwagwu, Chief Operating
Officer for GE Nigeria Oil and Gas. “We at GE
feel strongly that if we can introduce education
to pupils through information technology, we can
start making a positive impact on the lives of
people who need our help the most.”
In December, GE teamed up with the AVSI
Foundation, which began its operations in Nigeria
in 1988. AVSI’s mission is to implement projects
to improve the situation of women and
vulnerable children through the provision of
education, health and capacity building.
While AVSI has been providing education to
vulnerable children at two schools in Lagos
State, SS. Peter and Paul Nursery and Primary
School in Ikate Elegushi and St. John Nursery
and Primary School in Oreta, they needed a
partner who could help them provide education