WHY CAN’T EVERY CHILD GO TO SCHOOL?
Easy Learning with Grace — Episode 1
SDG 4: Quality Education

Efemena! Hurry up! If we're late again, our teacher will make us explain why!

I'm coming. You walk as if there's a prize waiting for you at the school gate.

There might be. I should get there first and check!

Bọ̀dé. Have you noticed something? We haven't seen Emeka in school for three days.

You're right! He wasn't there for our science experiment either. And you know how much he loves our chemistry experiments!

I hope he's all right. Let's ask Egba. She might know what's happening.

Egba, do you know why Emeka hasn't been coming to school?

I saw him yesterday. He said he misses school very much.

Then why doesn't he come? His mother has been unwell. He's been helping at home.

Oh. How is she now? He said she's getting better, but things are still difficult.

Couldn't someone help them so he can come back? I'm not sure. He told me he's worried about falling behind.

But Emeka wants to become an engineer. He's always talking about building bridges.

And checking whether they'll hold my weight!

We could share our lesson notes. That might help. But he still needs a way to come to school.

Let's tell Mrs Okoro. She might know what to do.

I'm glad you told me. Emeka's situation reminds us of something very important. Not every child has the same opportunity to attend school.

But why, Ma? Isn't school meant for everyone?

Yes, Bọ̀dé. Education is a right, but many children face difficulties that stop them from learning.

Some families struggle to afford uniforms, books, transport or other school expenses.

Some children live very far from the nearest school and traveling there may be difficult or unsafe.

Some schools do not have accessible buildings, suitable learning materials or enough support for children with disabilities.

Sometimes families must leave their homes because of conflict or danger, interrupting children's education.

I never knew so many things could stop a child from going to school.

That's why the United Nations has a goal called Sustainable Development Goal Four: Quality Education.

It means working towards inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.

So it isn't just about having a school building?

Exactly! Children also need good teachers, safe classrooms, suitable learning materials and the support to succeed.

Then how can we help Emeka?

Let's begin by understanding what he and his family need.

Emeka! You came!

Of course! Who else is going to help me build our science project?

We missed you at school.

I miss school too. But Mum hasn't been well, and I've had to help at home. I'm afraid I'll fall behind.

Emeka, you haven't been forgotten. We came to listen and see what support might help.

I'm getting better, thank you. But transport costs and things at home have been difficult.

With your permission, I'll speak to the school about the support available.

We can also find out whether a community group can help with transport and learning materials.

And we can share our lesson notes.

I'll help you catch up on science!

And I can study with you after school when it's convenient.

Thank you, everyone. I thought I had to face this alone.

Helping a friend is a wonderful beginning. But every child needs a fair chance to learn. Whether or not they have friends who can help.

[Emeka returns to school and takes part in a supervised chemistry experiment.]

Closing message: Every child deserves the chance to learn.