In Nigeria, Education Through Arts, Culture Is Receiving Boost—FCI

The Board of Trustees of Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative (FCI) has launched its 2030 vision, which includes two projects that use arts and culture to improve learning for Nigerian children and young adults.

The six-year strategy plan was revealed at a reception held by Spanish Ambassador Juan Sell at his Abuja residence.

Sell, who was speaking at the event, said: “We are committed to projects that leverage the arts to offer inclusive pathways to education that are responsive to individual learning, social and cultural needs.”

FCI offers more inclusive learning pathways by integrating arts and culture into educational experiences to improve learning outcomes. One of the driving theories behind the initiative is that community-driven creative learning sustainably develops community resilience.

Since its inception, FCI has delivered projects in Kano via its flagship program Mu Shuka Iri (MSI), 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’.

For the first programme – The Children’s Programme (MSI), the 2030 Vision is about rolling out to 19 states by 2030, starting with Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, and Sokoto, scheduled for 2024 delivery.

FCI’s ambition is growing the networks of hubs and schools and empowering more aunties across the focus States.

The second, Young Peoples Programme themed, My Story: My Heritage will provide young people soft skills needed to survive the 21st century workplace.

The Chair, FCI, Mr. Olumide Adeosun said, “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 lean times to deliver these programmes to communities that need them the most.”

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

She added that FCI’s goal is to, “drive equitable empowerment in underserved communities”.

Five Cowries Initiative (FCI) founded in 2018, was born out of over a combined 50 years’ experience in arts and education by artist, illustrator and educator, Polly Alakija and Yemisi Mokuolu, cultural entrepreneur and independent producer.

FCI engages with young creatives from different disciplines from dance, performance, visual arts, and storytelling, and partners with established arts and education institutions.