Wadata Relief Care Initiative (WRCI)

Mission: WRCI is a Local-based organization committed to inspiring breakthroughs working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformational development that seeks justice to change the unjust structure affecting children and young people through research, advocacy, empowerment, participatory engagement and promotion of health and general well-being.

Vision:  A World where every child and young person feels protected, cared for, and allowed to attain their fullest potential. Where Families are valued, creation preserved and the most vulnerable live in security and confidence.

Core Values:

• Transparency
• Organization and Individual Capacity Building
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Determine to Run it As You Own it
• Safeguarding

As the Executive Director of Wadata Relief Care Initiative (WRCI), his role involves providing strategic leadership, overseeing program management, and advocating for the organization. He is responsible for setting priorities, strategic plans, and annual objectives, as well as representing the organization to the community and stakeholders. Additionally, he oversees day-to-day operations, collaborates with various stakeholders, manages the organization's resources, and ensures continuity in its operations. His role is crucial in driving the mission of WRCI and making a positive impact on the communities it serves.

As the Executive Director of Wadata Relief Care Initiative (WRCI), I believe that my supporting team members and I are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, given other priorities within our organization. The LEAP Project's focus on leadership development aligns with my commitment to fostering effective leadership within the organization and the communities we serve. My strategic leadership plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the LEAP Project aligns with the broader organizational priorities of WRCI.

My role involves overseeing program management and resource allocation, positioning me to facilitate the allocation of resources to ensure the successful implementation of the LEAP Project. My supporting team members, with their diverse skill sets and expertise, can contribute to the seamless execution of the LEAP Project, thereby maximizing its impact on the targeted senior executives and leaders.

The collaborative nature of the LEAP Project aligns with my approach to engaging various stakeholders, which can be leveraged to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the project. I can mobilize my supporting team members to engage with stakeholders, creating a conducive environment for the successful implementation of the project while maintaining alignment with other organizational priorities.

My responsibility for ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of WRCI's initiatives positions me to strategically integrate the LEAP Project into the organization's operational framework. My supporting team members, through their operational expertise, can provide valuable insights and support to ensure the seamless integration of the LEAP Project within the organization.

My role as the Executive Director, supported by my team members, positions Wadata Relief Care Initiative (WRCI) to effectively support the LEAP Project while managing other organizational priorities. Through strategic alignment, program management, collaboration, and operational oversight, I can ensure that the LEAP Project enhances the leadership capabilities of senior executives and leaders, thereby contributing to the overall success of WRCI's mission.

Over Twelve months, 50 trained teachers (50% women and men) will support 6,000 children, prioritizing 3,500 girls, in host community schools.

Access to education for girls and boys of school age (3-17 years) has been impacted by a range of complex challenges, including poor and unsafe school infrastructure, poor/no WASH facilities, insecurity, attacks on educational facilities, a shortage of teachers, lack of premises adapted for children with disabilities62 and other protection concerns. These challenges have varying effects on different population subsets. Girls are likely to face the risk of early marriage, while boys may be forcedly recruited by armed groups. The crisis has exacerbated the situation for children with disabilities, who constitute 15 per cent of the population (8 per cent of whom are girls), depriving them of essential, needs-based educational services. 56 per cent of all public primary classrooms are deemed inadequate63, and nearly 1,400 schools have been destroyed since the onset of the crisis.

WRCI targets the different educational needs of different groups – with a focus on the most marginalized children who are not assisted by other service providers. IDP populations are the most marginalised on all development indicators, with a lack of access to basic services that amount to extreme multi-dimensional poverty and constitute a severe threat to survival. Children in these communities are therefore the top priority of the intervention, followed by host community and returnee children – who have been impacted by population movements and the effects on already stretched and unevenly distributed education resources. This project will target children who require assistance to re-enter education at a basic lower primary level (grades 1-3), and analysis will focus on this educational level.

Several different needs assessments were used to inform the project design. The Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) 2024 outlines areas of strategic priority, and the Joint Education Needs Assessment (JENA), published in November 2023 assessed education service provision in 352 schools across 27 LGAs in the Northeast. WRCI recently concluded a government consultation with education stakeholders at the State Level in November 2023.

For LEAP, the WRCI project will provide educational opportunities for 26,000 children (of whom 53% are girls) who are in the formal school system (Grades 4-6), with Teaching at Right Level (TaRL) supported with remedial co-curricular learning activities based on their levels of literacy and numeracy using mother-tongue as a medium of instruction. The project will also target 1,500 vulnerable Youths (Adolescent girls and Boys) who are not able to access the formal school system or are not able to maintain the level expected in the formal classroom. Leveraging on the already established Government structures and construction of TLCs where there are no structures, WRCI will offer non-formal basic literacy and numeracy classes to 1,500 IDP, host community and returnee children in host communities in 2 LGAs (Bade and Fika of Yobe state) – contributing to ESO 1 in the 2024 HRP. To promote equity in education opportunity 795 girls (nearly 53% of the non-formal intake) will be targeted for enrolment. The proportion of enrolment will be almost equal (30-35%) for the three categories namely IDPs, returnees and host community. 

The project aims to implement the WRCI project to provide educational opportunities for 6,000 children, 53% of whom are girls, within the formal school system (Grades 4-6). This will be achieved through the implementation of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, supplemented by remedial co-curricular learning activities tailored to the children's literacy and numeracy levels, with a focus on using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction. Additionally, 50 formal schoolteachers will be trained to support the children using appropriate pedagogic materials and instructions in the local mother tongue. The program will also emphasize mentoring teachers for improved motivation and engagement, enhancing teachers' skills in assessing learning, re-grouping children based on their learning levels, and facilitating active group-based learning and peer-to-peer student learning. This will involve dedicating two hours per day over nine months, with a specific focus on basic reading (Hausa) and numeracy skills. Monthly review meetings will be organized with mentors and master trainers to discuss feedback from school visits and adapt strategies based on the progress made.

The project will also target 1,500 vulnerable youths (adolescent girls and boys) who are unable to access the formal school system or maintain expected levels in the formal classroom. Leveraging established government structures and constructing Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) where none exist, WRCI will offer an Alternative Learning Program, providing non-formal basic literacy and numeracy classes to 1,500 internally displaced persons (IDP), host community, and returnee children in host communities in Bade and Fika LGAs of Yobe state. This initiative aims to contribute to ESO 1 in the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). To promote equity in educational opportunities, the project will target 3,500 girls (nearly 53% of the non-formal intake) for enrollment, with almost equal proportions of enrollment for IDPs, returnees, and the host community (30-35% each). These non-formal classes will be facilitated by 20 community volunteers, 55% of whom will be women to encourage girls' attendance. These volunteers will receive an allowance and training in Education in Emergencies (EiE) subjects from LEAP. Ongoing professional development will be provided by 100 mentor teachers from local government agencies. Additionally, Community Education Committees will be strengthened in all target locations to support the Temporary Learning Centers and provide sustainable community engagement on the importance of education to 27,500 people (Indirect beneficiaries), thereby supporting ESO 3.

The safety and security of children in school will be prioritized by constructing 8 Temporary Learning Center structures (TLCs) in host communities in Bade and Fika, while also mainstreaming the Safe School Initiative. These TLC structures will be established in consultation with community members to identify the safest locations, clean the area of any hazards, and engage community volunteers as unarmed guards. Each TLC cluster will have a first aid kit and perimeter fence.

Additionally, WRCI's integrated approach to Education in Emergencies
(EiE) and Child Protection will ensure that personnel in the school are
organized and trained to refer children to professionals if they are at
risk of gender-based violence (GBV),

As an organization, WRCI has primarily focused on foundational research to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solutions. Foundational research plays a crucial role in establishing the theoretical basis and understanding the fundamental principles that underpin our interventions. While we have not conducted or commissioned specific studies to date, our approach is grounded in foundational research that informs our programs and initiatives.

The foundational research conducted by WRCI encompasses a wide range of areas, including education, child protection, community engagement, and the integration of the Safe School Initiative. Our organization has delved into understanding the dynamics of education in emergencies, the impact of gender-based violence on children's education, and the role of community advocacy in promoting the importance of education for all. This foundational research has been instrumental in shaping our strategies and interventions, ensuring that they are evidence-based and aligned with best practices in the field.

Furthermore, our focus on foundational research extends to the integration of the Safe School Initiative into our programs. This initiative, which aims to promote the safety and security of educational environments, has been informed by foundational research on best practices for creating safe and inclusive learning spaces, the impact of conflict and displacement on children's access to education, and the role of community volunteers in supporting educational initiatives in challenging contexts.

While we have not conducted specific research or studies to date, our commitment to foundational research underscores our dedication to evidence-based programming. By drawing on established theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence from related studies, and best practices in the field, we ensure that our solutions are informed by a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by the communities we serve.

The data collected from the research and foundational studies conducted by WRCI has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our solutions and has significantly informed our work moving forward. While we have not conducted specific studies, the foundational research has played a pivotal role in shaping our programs and initiatives.

The foundational research has revealed critical information about the challenges faced by children in conflict-affected areas, the impact of gender-based violence on education, and the importance of creating safe and inclusive learning environments. This research has highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the unique educational needs of children in crisis situations, including those who are unable to access formal schooling or are at risk of falling behind in their education.

Moreover, the data collected from foundational research has underscored the significance of community engagement and the role of community volunteers in supporting educational initiatives. It has provided insights into the most effective approaches for advocating the importance of education within communities, as well as the best practices for engaging diverse community groups, including women, children, traditional leaders, parents, and teachers.

Additionally, the integration of the Safe School Initiative into our programs has been informed by foundational research on best practices for creating safe and secure learning environments. This research has shed light on the specific measures and strategies that are most effective in ensuring the safety and security of educational spaces in challenging contexts, thereby guiding our approach to constructing Temporary Learning Center structures (TLCs) and engaging community volunteers as unarmed guards.

Moving forward, the insights gleaned from the foundational research will continue to shape our work, guiding the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions that are responsive to the unique needs of the communities we serve. The data collected from foundational studies has been instrumental in informing the design of our programs, ensuring that they are grounded in a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by children in crisis-affected areas and are aligned with best practices in the field of education in emergencies.

As an organization dedicated to providing effective solutions in education, child protection, and community engagement, there is a critical need to strengthen the evidence base of our interventions. While our foundational research has provided valuable theoretical insights and informed the development of our programs, engaging in a LEAP Project presents an opportune moment to enhance the evidence base of our solutions.

The LEAP Project offers a unique opportunity to bolster the empirical foundation of our work by facilitating structured research and studies that rigorously evaluate the impact and effectiveness of our interventions. By engaging in the LEAP Project, we can leverage the expertise and resources available to conduct targeted research, gather empirical data, and analyze the outcomes of our programs. This will enable us to move beyond theoretical frameworks and anecdotal evidence, and instead, establish a robust evidence base that demonstrates the tangible impact of our initiatives.

Furthermore, the timing is ideal for engaging in a LEAP Project as it aligns with our organizational commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based practice. By strengthening the evidence base of our solutions, we can enhance the accountability, transparency, and effectiveness of our programs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the communities we serve. This aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that our interventions are responsive to the evolving needs of crisis-affected populations and are informed by the latest research and best practices in the field.

The data collected from the research and studies conducted as part of the LEAP Project will not only validate the effectiveness of our solutions but also provide actionable insights for refining and scaling our programs. This evidence-based approach will enable us to make informed decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and adapt our interventions to maximize their impact. Additionally, it will strengthen our ability to communicate the value of our work to stakeholders, donors, and partners, fostering greater support and collaboration for our initiatives.

1. What are the most effective behaviour change communication strategies and policies for designing and implementing interventions in crisis-affected areas?
2. How do multi-level interventions, targeting community, school, and family levels, influence the prevention of challenges such as childhood obesity and youth violence in crisis-affected settings?

As part of the WRCI, the 12-week LEAP Project sprint aims to generate crucial outputs that will inform the approach to strengthening the evidence base of our solutions. With a focus on research recommendations, study designs, strategies, frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation tools, the desired outputs of the LEAP Project are designed to be feasible within the allocated time frame and the commitment of approximately four LEAP Fellows working 6-10 hours per week.

1. Research Recommendations and Study Designs: Our LEAP Fellows will produce research recommendations and study designs that outline the methodologies and approaches for investigating the effectiveness of behaviour change communication strategies and multi-level interventions in crisis-affected areas. These outputs will encompass detailed plans for conducting surveys, interviews, and observations to gather qualitative data, as well as structured questionnaires and statistical analysis for quantitative data collection. The study designs will emphasize the need for rigour and ethical considerations in data collection, ensuring that the research outputs are robust and reliable.
2.  Strategies and Frameworks: The LEAP Project will yield strategies and frameworks that guide the implementation of multi-level interventions and the integration of behaviour change communication strategies. These outputs will provide a roadmap for engaging with communities, schools, and families in crisis-affected settings, outlining the specific components of the interventions and the communication strategies to be employed. Strategies and frameworks will emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive approaches and the involvement of key stakeholders in the implementation process.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Tools: In line with our commitment to evidence-based practice, the LEAP Fellows will develop monitoring and evaluation tools to assess the impact of interventions throughout the project and beyond. These tools will include data collection instruments, indicators for measuring behaviour change and intervention outcomes, and frameworks for ongoing assessment. The monitoring and evaluation tools will be designed to facilitate the systematic measurement of intervention effectiveness and the identification of areas for improvement.

By focusing on these outputs, the 12-week LEAP Project sprint aims to equip WRCI with actionable research recommendations, study designs, strategies, frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation tools that will significantly strengthen the evidence base of our solutions. The outputs will be tailored to our specific context and the challenges faced in crisis-affected areas, providing valuable guidance for future program development, implementation, and impact assessment.

Following the conclusion of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, WRCI plans to strategically put the outputs into action to enhance the evidence base of our solutions and drive meaningful impact in crisis-affected areas.

1. Integration into Program Development: The research recommendations, study designs, strategies, and frameworks produced by the LEAP Fellows will be integrated into the development of our programs and interventions. These outputs will serve as foundational guidance for designing evidence-based initiatives that address the specific needs and challenges of crisis-affected communities. By incorporating the recommended study designs and strategies, we aim to ensure that our interventions are informed by rigorous research methodologies and tailored to the context of implementation.
2. Implementation of Multi-Level Interventions: The strategies and frameworks developed through the LEAP Project will directly inform the implementation of multi-level interventions in crisis-affected settings. These outputs will guide our engagement with communities, schools, and families, ensuring that our interventions are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and effectively address the complex challenges faced by displaced populations. By operationalizing the recommended strategies, we aim to enhance the reach and impact of our programs, fostering positive behavioural outcomes and sustainable change.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: The monitoring and evaluation tools created by the LEAP Fellows will be instrumental in systematically assessing the impact of our interventions. These tools will enable us to collect relevant data, measure behaviour change, and evaluate intervention outcomes over time. By utilizing the recommended monitoring and evaluation frameworks, we aim to continuously assess the effectiveness of our programs, identify areas for improvement, and adapt our approaches based on empirical evidence.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Advocacy: The outputs of the LEAP Project will also be leveraged for knowledge-sharing and advocacy efforts. The research recommendations and study designs will contribute to the generation of evidence that can be disseminated through publications, presentations, and advocacy materials. By sharing our research findings and evidence-based approaches, we aim to influence policy, practice, and humanitarian response in crisis-affected areas, ultimately contributing to positive change at a broader level.

By strategically putting these outputs into action, WRCI aims to strengthen the evidence base of our solutions, enhance the effectiveness of our interventions, and contribute to the well-being and empowerment of displaced populations. The outputs of the LEAP Project will serve as foundational elements in our ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice, program quality, and impactful humanitarian action.

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for WRCI and our solutions are aimed at driving meaningful and sustainable change in the field of humanitarian action, particularly in crisis-affected areas where our interventions are implemented.

For WRCI:

1. Enhanced Evidence Base: The LEAP Project aims to contribute to the enhancement of our evidence base, allowing us to make informed, evidence-based decisions in the design, implementation, and evaluation of our programs. By leveraging the outputs of the LEAP Project, we aim to strengthen the empirical foundation of our solutions, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice within the organization.
2. Improved Program Quality: The long-term outcome for WRCI involves the improvement of program quality and effectiveness. By integrating the research recommendations, study designs, strategies, and monitoring and evaluation tools into our programs, we seek to enhance the quality of our interventions, leading to more impactful outcomes for crisis-affected populations.
3. Informed Advocacy and Policy Influence: The outputs of the LEAP Project will enable us to engage in informed advocacy and policy influence. By utilizing the evidence and knowledge generated through the project, we aim to advocate for evidence-based approaches and influence policy decisions that positively impact displaced populations. The long-term outcome is to contribute to systemic change and improved humanitarian response through evidence-informed advocacy.

For Our Solutions:

1. Increased Effectiveness of Interventions: The LEAP Project aims to result in increased effectiveness of our interventions in crisis-affected areas. By implementing the research recommendations, study designs, and strategies developed through the project, our solutions are expected to yield more positive outcomes, such as improved behaviour change, increased community engagement, and sustained impact on the well-being of affected populations.
2. Sustainable Change: The long-term outcome of our solutions is to contribute to sustainable change in crisis-affected communities. By applying the evidence-based strategies and frameworks developed through the LEAP Project, we aim to foster sustainable change, such as improved health outcomes, reduced violence, and enhanced resilience among displaced populations.
3. Scalability and Replicability: The outputs of the LEAP Project are intended to contribute to the scalability and replicability of our solutions. By developing rigorous study designs and evidence-based strategies, we aim to create models that can be scaled across different settings and replicated by other organizations, thereby extending the impact of our interventions to a broader population.

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for WRCI and our solutions involve the enhancement of evidence-based practice, improved program quality, informed advocacy, increased effectiveness of interventions, sustainable change, and the scalability and replicability of our evidence-based models. These outcomes are aimed at driving positive and lasting change for displaced populations and contributing to the advancement of humanitarian action.