FCT Education Secretariat Concludes 12th BEARHUG Summer Literacy Program with Focus on ICT and Youth Empowerment.
By Raymond Enoch
The Education Resource Centre of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat has successfully wrapped up the 12th edition of its annual Books Enlighten and Reading Help Us Grow (BEARHUG) Summer Holiday Children Literacy Program. The three-week-long event, themed Harnessing ICT for Educational Productivity, was held from August 4th to 22nd, 2025, at the City Library in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, highlighted the program’s aim of productively engaging children during the long vacation through literacy, creativity, and value-driven learning. She emphasized that the BEARHUG initiative continues to play a vital role in nurturing responsible citizenship among children aged 6 to 16 years.
“This year’s edition featured diverse and enriching activities including ICT training, entrepreneurship skills, reading competitions, Spelling Bee, poetry, current affairs brainstorming sessions, and motivational talks by NGOs,” Dr. Abdulrahim stated.
She explained that the spelling bee was particularly impactful in building vocabulary and encouraging healthy social interaction among children from various backgrounds. The program, she noted, also helped in addressing issues such as bullying and punctuality, which often hinder academic growth.
Dr. Abdulrahim lauded her team, especially Mr. Lawrence Akumuo, Head of the City Library, for their dedication and commitment to the success of the program. “Education goes beyond imparting knowledge; it is also about cultivating curiosity, creativity, and character,” she added, urging participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained.
In her remarks, Mrs. Joan Abdullahi, Head of Administration at the Centre, praised the enthusiasm and resilience of the children. “It is heartwarming to see young minds so engaged in activities that enhance both their intellectual and moral development. I encourage them to continue building on this foundation,” she said.
Parents of participants, Mr. Peter A. and Mr. Zaka Fatuwa, expressed gratitude to the organizers for maintaining such a valuable and impactful program. They commended the Education Resource Centre for its consistency in promoting quality education within the FCT.
One of the participants, Rasheed Oluwakorede, described the program as “very impactful,” especially highlighting the ICT sessions as crucial in today’s digital-driven world.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to winners in the various competitions, with prizes given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, along with consolation prizes for other participants.
The 12th edition of BEARHUG once again affirmed the FCT Administration’s dedication to fostering literacy, digital fluency, and lifelong learning, in alignment with global educational and technological trends.
