Kuka Uku Community in Nigeria Gets New Primary School

The Universal Dorcas Ministry (UDM) has unveiled a new primary school at the Kuka Uku community of Gombe state.

The school, named Lakorjo-Ibitayo Magnet School is the first educational facility in the community.

The school will among others serve more than 40 children in the community who do not go to school owing to distance from the nearest school, located about 8 kilometres away.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Pastor of ECWA Church Kuka Uku, Patrick Dantala expressed appreciation to God for availing the community with the school, saying the gesture by UDM will go a long way in meeting the educational needs of children in the community.

Speaking on the initiative, President of UDM, Helen Bako said, the organization was approached with a need from parents in the community requesting an educational opportunity for education.

“I knew this was not something I had the capability of providing. There was no way I would be able to sustain a school.

“I informed the pastor [Patrick Dantala] that I was not in a position to meet that need.  I left it at that. But the pastor was persistent, he said that the community continues to plead.

Helen shared the need with friends, then a Missionary mother of one of her friends, Mrs. Mcmillen encouraged her to start by enlisting five students at a time.

“I accepted the challenge but when we announced the enrollment of 5 students over 20 children that showed up,” she said.

Today Lakorjo-Ibitayo Magnet school has over 40 students, almost all of them previously not attending school at all, except one.

A parent of one of the pupil, Mrs. Tabitha Tugga, full of joy said her 7-year-old son, Samuel does not have to go far to attend school – he initially goes to school 8 kilometres away.

She said the school has provided books, and other reading materials to pupils.