FCI Launch Programmes Deploying Arts & Culture To Ensure Inclusive Education

Five Cowries Art Education Initiative (FCI) has launched two 2030 vision programmes aimed at enhancing inclusive education in underserved communities of Nigeria, via arts and culture.

The programmes include Mu Shuka Iri (MSI), its flagship project in Kano State, a community-based learning programme that engages caregivers and children aged 4 to early teens, in households through a cohort of community educators called ‘Aunties’; and the Young Peoples Programme titled My Story: My Heritage, which will equip youths with the soft skills requisite for survival in the 21st century workspace.

FCI with the support of its donors, aims to expand the MSI programme to 19 states by 2030, starting with Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa and Sokoto states by the end of 2024. It aims to grow its networks of hubs and schools and empower more aunties across the focus states.

“These programmes will offer a route to education that improves school attendance and results, and the Board of Trustees are excited about the planned rollout of this innovative and impactful programme. We are counting on our donors, particularly through these leans times to deliver these programmes to communities that need them the most,” said FCI Chair, Olumide Adeosun.

Founder and CEO, FCI, Polly Alakija said, “the programmes have a positive impact on educational outcomes such as improved numeracy and literacy skills, as well as transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and creativity and are fun.

The goal is to drive equitable empowerment in underserved communities.”