FCT EDUCATION SECRETARIAT HOLDS 12TH EDITION OF SUMMER HOLIDAY CHILDREN’S LITERACY PROGRAM

By: Odugbo Sarah.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Resource Centre of the Education Secretariat has successfully concluded the 12th edition of its annual Summer Holiday Children Literacy Program tagged BEARHUG (Season 12) with the theme: Harnessing ICT for Educational Productivity

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, explained that the program, which ran from 4th to 22nd August 2025 at the City Library, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, was designed to engage children productively during the long vacation through impactful learning, creativity, and literacy-based activities.

Dr. Abdulrahim noted that the participating children were exposed to moral and value-based lessons aimed at shaping them into responsible citizens. She highlighted that the program featured a wide range of activities, including ICT training, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, reading competition, Spelling Bee, Poetry, Brainstorming Sessions on current affairs, and motivational talks by NGOs on contemporary issues.

According to her, the spelling bee component of the program enhanced the participants’ vocabulary while also promoting positive socialization among children from diverse backgrounds. She further remarked that BEARHUG, over the years, has helped to curb certain vices such as bullying and lateness that could hinder children’s academic progress.

She emphasized that participation in the program is open to all children between the ages of 6 to 16 years in the FCT to empower their minds and unlock their potential. While commending her Staff, Mr. Lawrence Akumuo (Head of the City Library) and his team for their tireless efforts, she urged the participants to maximize the knowledge and skills acquired, stressing that education goes beyond imparting knowledge to cultivating curiosity, creativity, and character.

Speaking in the same vein, the Head of Administration of FCT Education Resource Centre, Mrs Joan Abdullahi, said it was heartwarming to see young minds engaging in various activities meant to enhance their learning abilities and personal development. She urged them not to relent but keep improving themselves for a better tomorrow.

Parents of participants, while delivering their goodwill messages, Mr. Peter A. and Mr. Zaka Fatuwa commended the Centre for sustaining such an impactful, educative, and morally sound initiative. They described the Education Resource Centre as living up to its mandate of promoting quality learning in the FCT.

Also speaking, one of the participants, Rasheed Oluwakorede, expressed delight at the program, stating that it had been very impactful, especially in ICT, which she described as the driving force of the modern world.

The highlight of the colourful event was the presentation of prizes to winners who emerged 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and consolation prizes to other participants in various competitions.

The 12th edition of the Programme: Books Enlighten and Reading Help Us Grow (BEARHUG) initiative once again demonstrated the FCT Administration’s strong commitment to promoting literacy, digital knowledge, and lifelong learning among young people, in line with global trends in education and innovation.