Kaduna Social Mobilisation Department – Fit for Purpose

“Though Community Mobilisation is an important element in the delivery of quality Basic Education, the Social Mobilization Department did not exist in Kaduna State Universal Education Board. What existed for four years was the Publicity Office, manned by myself as Public Relations Officer and a Camera Man. In 2005, additional responsibility for Social Mobilization was added to the unit but without a clear mandate, structure and function.” - Shuaib Mohammed Dabo, Director, SMD Kaduna SUBEB.

ESSPIN’s work with the Social Mobilization Department (SMD) in SUBEB has created a more functional department, with appropriate systems and structure in place and clearly defined responsibilities. Following the SUBEB-wide organizational review process, SMD has grown from a four-person unit to a 16-strong department. ESSPIN has delivered three whole-department trainings to help develop effective working practices in areas such as delegation, teamwork, and work-planning. The ESSPIN Communications and Knowledge Management team is providing ongoing capacity building support for the vital C&KM work of the department. Staff have also drawn up their own ‘SMD Charter’, stating the department’s values and working practices and focusing the team on its core purpose and ultimate beneficiary: the child.

There is a new and more purposeful interaction between SUBEB and LGEA SMDs and, in turn, the School Based Management Committees (SBMCs) they support through their mobilization activities. SMDs in the LGEAs are now being mentored by SUBEB SMD to provide direct support to SBMCs in contributing to resolving various school issues. There are now 155 functional SBMCs and a replication plan is in place to reach every SBMC.

“Today, the department is one year old and is fit for purpose with clear mandates and functions that tie into the overarching mission of SUBEB. The Social Mobilisation Department will continue to work in strengthening community support in school governance through the SBMCs,” said Dabo.