Changing Classrooms; Changing Lives
In 2020, as the world grappled with the unprecedented wave of the global pandemic, a new trajectory began to unfold in Nigeria, as with many other nations. The nationwide lockdown disrupted and exposed deep cracks in the public education system, creating a significant gap in learning. Meanwhile, the private sector adapted quickly, embracing change and leveraging 21st-century learning methodologies to keep education moving forward.
This disruption opened the door for the pilot project of Teach the Child in 2020. What began with just 40 children in Bwari Area Council soon evolved into the “Learning Spaces Project for SDG4.” Today, that seed has grown to impact more than 1,833 children and 187 teachers across three public schools in Bwari Area Council.
When we first stepped into classrooms in Bwari, many children struggled with the basics of reading and writing. Some could barely recognize letters. Others had given up hope of ever “catching up.” Teachers, though dedicated, often lacked tools that could make learning exciting and effective.
That’s where the Learning Spaces for SDG 4 project began. With support from Crossing Borders (Denmark) and CISU, Teach The Child Initiative set out to reimagine what learning could look like in public schools.
Bringing Learning to Life
We introduced simple tools that made a big difference —
We worked with 90 students across selected schools, where we introduced 21st-century learning tools –Talking Books and Pens – that brought words to life, rhymes that made literacy fun, and board games that taught strategy and patience. For the first time, children began to see learning not as a burden, but as something they could enjoy.
These simple but powerful tools helped children improve their literacy and numeracy skills while building confidence and problem-solving abilities.
One student, after trying the Talking Pen, said with a smile: “I can read this now!” Those few words captured what the project was all about — giving children the tools and confidence to succeed.
Supporting Teachers
But children don’t learn in isolation. Their teachers needed support too. We trained 15 teachers in the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) method, a hands-on approach that helps identify where each child is and build from there.
The feedback was powerful. As one teacher shared: “Before, I used to struggle to keep the children’s attention. Now they are eager to participate. I feel like I am teaching differently.”
Another said: “I thought teaching aids had to be expensive. Now I use simple things around me, and the children respond so well.”
These small shifts are creating lasting change in classrooms.
Taking the Message Further
Learning Spaces wasn’t only about classrooms. Through Teacher’s Radio, an 11-episode series, we reached thousands more — parents, educators, policymakers. The conversations touched on everything from education financing to teacher welfare and the rights of learners with disabilities.
At our Education Summit, 104 stakeholders came together to share ideas. A participant told us: “For the first time, I feel like teachers’ voices are being heard.” The energy in the room reminded us that when people come together, change becomes possible.
The Impact
- Students’ literacy and numeracy scores rose from an average of 38% to 41%.
- More children now ask to join the Learning Spaces after seeing their friends improve.
- Schools like JSS Dawaki started their own remedial classes, inspired by what they saw.
- Over one million people were reached through our advocacy work and radio programs.
Not Without Challenges...
We faced hurdles too. Some children needed Hausa-to-English support. Ramadan slowed participation. Rising food costs meant fewer meal packs than planned. Yet every challenge taught us how to adapt and keep moving forward.
What We Learned
The biggest lesson? Change is possible when you combine simple tools, teacher support, and community dialogue. A child with a Talking Book, a teacher with new methods, and a community that believes in education — together, they can create brighter futures.
What's Next
Learning Spaces has sparked interest from parents, schools, and government agencies. We are excited to expand the use of Talking Books and Pens, train more teachers, and keep education advocacy alive on radio and in communities.
At Teach The Child Initiative, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. With projects like this, we are one step closer to making that vision real.
Click here to watch live testimonials and moments from the Learning Spaces!
