CCDI, Swiss Embassy donate toilets, library to Abuja primary school
The Create That Change Development Initiative (CCDI), in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, has donated new toilet and library facilities to LEA Primary School, Sheritti, Kabusa, Abuja.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony on Wednesday, Sharon Ayeni, CCDI’s executive director, said the project formed part of the organisation’s public school revival initiative (PSRI), which seeks to improve hygiene, restore dignity, and promote inclusive learning in public schools across the federal capital territory (FCT).
Ayeni described access to clean toilets and libraries as a fundamental right that supports both health and education.
“Access to clean toilets is a basic right, not a luxury. Libraries open doors to knowledge and brighter futures,” she said.
She urged government authorities to intensify efforts in maintaining school infrastructure nationwide, lamenting that many pupils still learn under poor conditions.
“It’s demoralising to see students sitting on the ground when they could be sitting at desks. CCDI is working with other stakeholders to address these challenges, but government support is essential,” she added.
According to Ayeni, the first phase of the PSRI—supported by the Swiss Embassy—delivered four toilet blocks and three libraries to public schools in the FCT.
She appealed for additional donor support to extend the initiative to other parts of the country.
Siamak Rouhani, the deputy ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, said the partnership underscored his country’s commitment to improving basic and vocational education in Nigeria.
“Education is vital for children’s future. With good education, they can find jobs and integrate into the labour market,” he said.
Rouhani noted that while Switzerland also supports vocational training projects through private companies, this collaboration focuses on strengthening foundational education for young learners.
Afiniki Shekwagu, the head teacher of LEA Primary School, expressed gratitude to CCDI and the Swiss Embassy, describing the intervention as a “dream come true” for the school community.
“The new facilities will make teaching and learning more effective and improve our pupils’ wellbeing,” she said, appealing for more support in providing furniture, computers, and classroom renovations.
Salamatu Manjalo, a representative of the FCT universal basic education board, commended CCDI and the Swiss Embassy for their support and urged the school to maintain the new facilities.
“We will be coming to check how you’re using these facilities, so make sure you take good care of them,” she cautioned.
Also present at the event were community leaders, including the Sheritti community head, Abdullahi Haruna Magaji, who expressed appreciation for the gesture.
A member of CCDI’s board of trustees (BoT), Jasper Ogbonna, said the initiative represents an investment in the future of Nigerian children.
“When you see these young children excelling in life, becoming important people, know that it started from here—what CCDI and the Swiss Embassy are doing today,” he said.
