COAL recognizes that one in five primary school-age children in Africa are not enrolled in school. Only two in three children in the region successfully complete primary education by the age of 15.Among those who do complete primary school, at most 2 in 10 achieve minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. This indicates that African children are at least five times less likely than their global peers to be adequately prepared for their future. We support public and private schools in low income communities by equipping school libraries with creative literature, implement alternative education programs in partnership with schools and parents to accelerate the literacy and numeracy skills of children, and implement creative writing workshops to bolster their writing skills and self-confidence of children and young adults.
Under our creative writing program, COAL nurtures a dynamic creative community through a range of projects. We host books and literary festivals, implement creative writing workshops for budding writers to hone their skills, showcase films adapted from books to bridge the gap between literature and cinema, and organize open mics that encompass performances from spoken word poetry to music and other creative forms of art. Our book readings emphasize African literature, ensuring the accessibility of rare titles, and often feature authors for enriching discussions. Additionally, we promote creative education by highlighting various literary genres and presenting socially-themed documentaries to inspire writers. “A Date with Poetry” is our tribute to World Poetry Day, blending poetry with other social causes. Spoken Rhythm introduces poetry through entertaining performances accompanied by music and theatre.
Through evidence-based research, COAL leads advocacy and media campaigns focused on promoting access to quality education in Nigeria. Under this program, we conduct research on the barriers hindering quality education within our communities, targeting key stakeholders such as educators, policymakers, and parents. By leveraging optimal media channels like TV, radio, and social media, COAL disseminates compelling content that underscores the significance of quality education. The overarching goal is to heighten awareness and galvanizes both the community and decision-makers to prioritize and invest in better educational standards.