From Wheelbarrow to Classroom: Nasiru Umar

Nasiru Umar is 18, the fourth of six children from Gaulaumbe in Kebbi State. His father, a farmer, died when Nasiru was young, and his mother raised goats and sheep to feed the family. Determined to help, Nasiru dropped out of primary school and pushed wheelbarrows in the market, carrying heavy loads for customers.

"We ate rice only occasionally."

Three years ago he moved to Sokoto State, where his uncle enrolled him at Mohammed Kofar Gwandu Arabic School in Wamakko LGA. After Islamic school he still returns to the market to earn money for food.

When his Malam heard about the EU and UNICEF-funded Accelerated Basic Education Programme, he registered Nasiru, and that moment gave him hope.

"Ilmi shi ne makamin rayuwa." (Education is the weapon of life.)

Today Nasiru balances study and work, carrying both loads and dreams. His journey shows that with opportunity, even children burdened by hardship can build a brighter future.

With funding from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid in partnership with UNICEF, MOBSE, SAME and SUBEB. From the ABEP Project Magazine.