EGBE is a transformative initiative designed to address the critical issue of educational inequality in Nigeria, where over 10 million children aged 5-18 are currently out of school. By converting corporate buses into mobile libraries, EGBE aims to deliver educational resources directly to marginalized youth in rural areas, empowering communities and fostering a generation of literate, empowered individuals.

The Challenge

Nigeria faces one of the largest out-of-school populations globally, with rural communities disproportionately affected. The challenges include:

- Limited Access to Resources: Many communities lack basic learning materials such as books, laptops, internet access, and even electricity.

- Geographic Isolation: Rural areas are often disconnected from educational opportunities, perpetuating poverty and inequality.

- Low Literacy Rates: In some regions, literacy rates are as low as 19%, leaving generations without the tools to break out of systemic cycles of disadvantage.

These challenges not only deprive children of their right to education but also hinder economic development, social mobility, and community resilience. Without intervention, the cycle of inequality will continue to widen, leaving millions without hope for a better future.

Why It Matters

Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development. Bridging the educational divide is essential to:

- Reduce poverty and inequality.
- Build empowered and resilient communities.
- Prepare future generations for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
- Achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and unlock opportunities for marginalized populations.

The Actions

EGBE proposes an innovative and scalable approach to tackle these challenges through the following actions:

1. Transforming Corporate Buses into Mobile Libraries

- Repurpose decommissioned corporate buses into fully equipped mobile libraries, bringing education directly to underserved communities.
- Each bus will feature bookshelves, digital learning stations, and a reliable power supply to create an engaging learning environment.

2. Curating and Distributing Educational Resources

- Provide culturally relevant books, laptops, and interactive digital tools tailored to the needs of children aged 3-18.
- Offer materials that support literacy, numeracy, life skills, and environmental education.

3. Train the Trainer (ToT) Program

- Equip local educators and facilitators with the knowledge and skills to sustain and expand the initiative.
- Conduct workshops on digital literacy, creative teaching methods, and community engagement.

4. Strategic Partnerships

- Collaborate with organizations like BookAid and Oxfam to secure resources, funding, and expertise.
- Partner with local governments and businesses to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Impact

In its pilot phase, EGBE aims to achieve the following measurable outcomes within the first year:

- Reach 50,000 Children and Youth (Aged 3-18): Deliver quality education to 100 villages in northwestern Nigeria.
- Distribute 25,000 Books and 1,000 Laptops: Provide immediate access to essential learning tools.
- Train 200 Local Teachers: Build capacity for long-term educational transformation.
- Blend Tech and Non-Tech Resources: Equip youth with life skills, digital training, and environmental education to prepare them for future challenges.

Long-Term Vision

EGBE is not just a project but a movement to transform education in marginalized communities. Over time, the initiative seeks to:

- Reduce the number of out-of-school children by creating accessible learning opportunities.
- Cultivate a generation of literate, empowered youth who can drive social and economic change.
-Strengthen community resilience by fostering access to opportunities that were once out of reach.

Call to Action

EGBE is redefining access to education for marginalized youth. This is an opportunity to invest in a scalable solution that bridges the educational divide and transforms lives. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and create a world where every child has the tools to thrive.