About COEC Nigeria

Blessing Swanta Bonat is the Founder and Executive Director of Community Outreach for Educational Change. Popularly known as Tr. Swanta, she is an educator with special interests in children development. She loves children and has been dedicated to the cause of ensuring that children acquire quality education, particularly children from rural areas. Prior to Community Outreach for Educational Change, Swanta worked as a Hostel Administrator at Africa International College, Abuja. Armed with a B A in Education (CRS), a Masters degree in Christian Education and certified with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, she has a vast experience working at all levels of education and school systems. Her career started as a Class Assistant after which she rose through the ranks of being a Class Teacher, House Mistress, Hostel Administrator, School Administrator and now a School Manager. She has also undergone series of trainings and workshops which have given her the license to dare the odds in the profession. In her journey to contribute to the education sector in Nigeria and in her approach to be the change she sought to see, she resigned her job and left the city of Abuja to pursue active educational evangelism – taking basic education to underserved and unreached communities. She founded Community Outreach for Educational Change- COEC in 2016 to enable her accomplish the singular goal of reaching more children with quality education regardless of their ethnicity, religion, location, social status, political affiliation or age. Swanta uses her social media platforms to inspire sacrifice and educational activism amongst many of her followers through the detailed narrations of her experiences in the various schools and educational interventions she has been involved with. A journey through her Public School Experience and HeadTeacherDiaries series on Facebook will leave you drawn into the plight of the many school children in rural and disadvantaged communities. Through these narrations, many school children in rural communities have been reached. Swanta has spoken on radio, television and at events and been part of outreaches to over twenty-one typical rural communities in North-West Nigeria to create awareness of the importance of education. In recognition of her contributions as a teacher and especially as a school leader who worries about the welfare of her staff and students Swanta has earned features in more than 10 online magazines, blogs, and pages of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by various organizations and individuals with several awards like the FBI Award for Influence through Professionalism, 2020, the AKS Education Awards India for Global Teacher Award, 2020, the FBI Award for Influence through Education/Social Good, 2019, the ZI Prize Award for Education and Activism, 2019 and the NBTT Recognition Award of the Year 2017 in Honor of Continuous Contribution & Support towards Literacy and Language Development. In 2023, she received the Inspirational Educator Award as the 2023 Inspirational Leader of the Year from Meadow Hall Foundation for the work she does with schools and children in hard to reach communities. Swanta is currently the Discipleship Coordinator of the Kafanchan Regional Leadership Team of Operation Christmas Child and also serves on the board of Thinking Cap Literacy Initiative, further demonstrating her commitment to combating illiteracy.

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Jemimah has over 6 years of experience in writing proposals, report writing, research, laboratory work, small animal, large animal, and avian practice and over 10 years volunteering in different organizations. As a student she won the prestigious WVA/MSD Scholarship. She is currently leading a team on a research supported by the Morris Animal Foundation. She has volunteered and worked at the Animal Farm of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Jos, volunteered annually for 5 consecutive years during the annual Rabies Eradication Campaigns organized by Department of Public Health of the Faculty. An avid reader, she donated books to the Faculty's library during a refurbishment of the library in 2019. In the non-profit sphere, she has volunteered for over 7 years with Community Outreach for Educational Change (COEC). She presently serves as the Community Wellbeing for Sustainable Development Officer for COEC where she is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of all health and well-being programs aimed at promoting sustainable and equitable health outcomes for communities. This role involves direct engagement with beneficiaries, community leaders, and local health systems to deliver health education, support health-related initiatives, and monitor program impact. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jemimah's passion lies in words and learning new things. She believes that with words there is no limit to what one can do and hopes to change her corner of the world with words. Married for over 10years to the love of her life John and blessed with two wonderful boys, Tisloh and Jordan, Jemimah loves to cook, travel, read (especially novels by Stephen King)and watch horror movies.

Isaac is a highly skilled sociologist and dedicated community development professional with a strong foundation in project design, implementation, and evaluation. He has excelled in roles such as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Research and Statistics Officer, and Programs Manager. His diverse skill set includes project management, reporting, data analysis, team collaboration, graphic design, and digital marketing. He is adept at leveraging these skills to drive positive social change. Isaac holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Plateau State University Bokkos and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Demography and Population Studies from the University of Jos. His academic background, coupled with specialized training in proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, mental health, gender-based violence, trauma treatment, and safeguarding, equips him to address complex social issues. With a passion for social justice and a commitment to improving lives, Isaac has successfully secured funding through grant writing and implemented impactful projects. His work has led to the training of numerous individuals, including faith leaders and gender champions, on critical issues like sexual and gender-based violence. His co-authorship of "The Girl Child and Her Long Walk to Freedom" highlights his dedication to advocacy and social justice. Isaac's strong interpersonal and communication skills enable him to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. He thrives in collaborative environments and is dedicated to achieving organizational goals. His experience in conducting baseline studies, monitoring projects, and training participants in documentation and storytelling further demonstrates his versatility. It equips him to navigate the complexities of project implementation and impact assessment fostering positive change. With a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic, Isaac is dedicated to contributing to the growth and success of organizations. His commitment to improving organizational goals and providing quality services to humanity drives his professional pursuits.

Simi is a dedicated professional with a strong academic background in History and International Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Conflict Management and Peace Studies at the University of Jos, Nigeria. Her diverse skill set and passion for social impact have led her to excel in various roles, particularly in administrative and support functions. With a foundation in trauma healing, childhood education, and fundraising, Simi has made significant contributions to Community Outreach for Educational Change (COEC) Nigeria. Her experience as a volunteer with Claire Aid Foundation has honed her skills in office management, human resource functions, and volunteer coordination. At COEC, Simi leverages her expertise to provide essential administrative and programmatic support. She is adept at managing office facilities, providing administrative assistance to senior management, and ensuring confidentiality. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in human resource functions, including recruitment and volunteer coordination. Beyond her administrative duties, Simi's passion for trauma healing, particularly for children, has driven her to support young people affected by challenges such as molestation, insurgency, and loss. Her work in communities like Jebbu Miango and Chong'opyeng Rak has provided essential support to children facing traumatic experiences. She is committed to expanding these efforts to reach more communities in need. Simi's dedication to her work is complemented by her love for reading, engaging in meaningful conversations, and her strong family values. She is a highly motivated individual who is eager to contribute to the growth and success of her organization.

Ishaya Atang is a result oriented and enthusiastic professional Chartered Accountant with years’ of experience in Internal Audit, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Taxation. Possesses a highly developed analytical mind and strong interpersonal and communication skills. He collaborates well within a team and able to work well under pressure whilst using initiative to achieve set goals with minimal supervision. He is skilled in the use of Peachtree Accounting Software, SAP (S4 Hana) ERP, Quick books, Sage 50 and micro soft office suites with advanced knowledge in Microsoft Excel. As a chartered Accountant he specialize in data Analysis, financial evaluation, budgeting process and audit and investigation. He is a member of the prestigious Accounting body in Nigeria The Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), a holder of Higher National Diploma in Accounting and Finance and National Diploma in Banking and Finance. Currently a Finance and Admin Officer with Community Outreach for Educational Change, handling critical areas of budget and forecasting, preparation of donor statement of activities, collaborating with other team members for effective and efficient utilization of funds. Ishaya Atang has worked in several places and in different capacities. As a credit officer, internal auditor, financial accountant, factory finance accountant among other roles. His achievement over the years are enormous such as, Setting up of Accounting System, Migration and implementation of Sage Peachtree, Facilitate the training on preparation of financial statement and final accounts, Created Loan Amortization schedule template, Participated in Audit report by External Auditors, Created Members deduction schedule template, Conducted and reported a comprehensive inventory validation exercise, Reduced non-performing loans significantly, Reduced Members over deduction significantly, Training of ICAN Professional Student sitting for Professional Exams with 70% record of pass, Production of Financial Statement and Final Accounts, Preparation of production variance analysis and report bringing variance to 1% from 5%, Creating and implementation of reprocess template worksheet minimised wastages, Preparation of timely Management Accounts and Reports for decision making, In house training on the use and application of Sage Peachtree with 80% improvement, Facilitate the smooth conduct of Audit exercises with zero cases of audit queries. In improving his skills, Ishaya Atang attending several training that align to his work and professional development which include, training on migration to Peachtree accounting, Cooperative for decent jobs, In-Plant Training on Preparation of financial statement/final Accounts, A 2-days Capacity Building Workshop on Investment Strategies and Leadership Skills Management in Cooperative Society, A 2-days training on the road map to Peachtree (a practical guide to Peachtree and first Time Adoption), Training on the use of SAP (ERP) in production process. Outside professional roles and work environment, Atang Ishaya is a committed believer of Christ and a faithful minister in Gods vineyard. He is dedicated to his role as a husband and a father.

Kangkum Na’anpe Daniel is a seasoned media and communication specialist with a profound passion for showcasing African narratives through visual storytelling. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a specialization in Television Production, Kangkum has amassed over 8 years of extensive experience in crafting compelling video documentaries that resonate with diverse audiences. Currently serving as the Media and Communication Officer at Community for Educational Change, Kangkum dedicates his skills to advancing educational initiatives through effective communication strategies. His career is marked by a commitment to amplifying voices and narratives that promote positive social change, particularly within African communities. Beyond his professional endeavors, Kangkum Daniel is a staunch advocate for volunteerism, having actively participated in various impactful projects such as GIZ Funded project with CCN Peace Building and Trauma Healing Center Jos; Mediation on Natural Resource Conflict Between Farmers and Herders, Teach to Transform USA funded project through Halita Care Initiative Abuja; Trauma healing a path to recovery and renewal and many more too numerous to mention. His belief in the transformative power of volunteering reflects his deep-rooted values and commitment to community service. Outside of work, Kangkum finds strength in his faith, being a devoted believer in God. He cherishes his role as a loving husband to his wife, embodying principles of integrity and dedication in both his personal and professional life.

Babangida is a results-oriented professional with a strong passion for community development, particularly in rural areas. With a solid foundation in estate management, sales, and procurement, he possesses a unique ability to drive sustainable growth and improve the lives of others. A graduate of Estate Management from Kaduna State University, Babangida began his career at Jide Taiwo & Co Estate Surveyors and Valuers, honing his skills in property valuation, lease negotiations, and portfolio management. He later transitioned to a sales role at Nigerian Breweries, where he excelled in customer relationship management, market analysis, and sales forecasting. Now, as the Logistics and Facility Officer at COEC, Babangida is committed to leveraging his expertise to address pressing community challenges, such as access to quality education in rural areas. He believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. He is actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure, teacher training, and student support programs. His goal is to empower young people in rural communities by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. In addition to his community development efforts, Babangida excels in driving business growth. His experience in sales, market analysis, and supply chain optimization enables him to identify opportunities, build strong relationships, and deliver exceptional results.

Gift Chat Bonat is a certified Human Resource Personnel with over 5 years’ experience in overseeing the Human Resource Department of COEC Nigeria. Knowledgeable about employment law and effective organizational planning. Highly competent communicator, dynamic and results oriented, she specializes in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee management and retention. With a proven track record, developing and implementing programs and initiatives that align with organizational goals to drive, enhance and improve organization profitability and growth. She is dedicated in creating robust corporate values that empower and motivate employees to realize their full potential, promote team spirit and collaboration, fostering a positive workplace culture promoting diversity and inclusion. As a learned surface pattern designer from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, she started out as a volunteer working diligently behind the scenes at every task assigned her. As someone with great determination who strives for self-development, she got certified with a B.Sc. Human Resource Management from Les Cours Sonou University Institute Benin. Gift has a profound passion for Human Relations, community engagement, building and development. Her work is driven by commitment to serve and make positive impact. In addition to her primary role, she is proficient in the use of digital tools and support systems, a seasoned fund developer, an entrepreneur and salesperson. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in all of COEC projects and is one major force behind its great achievements. Outside work, Gift is adventurous, likes to design and enjoys making art, cherishes her role being a dedicated mother and imbibes great principles in her personal and professional life.

Tabitha Ibrahim Wah picked up interest in teaching during her one year of youth service in 2012 and has since added 12 years of teaching experience under her belt and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). She has honed her expertise through numerous training sessions and workshops particularly focusing on early childhood education. Her teaching journey led her through various grades, including Grade 3 and preparatory classes spinning ages 3 to 10. She is currently the School Administrator of COEC’s Preparatory and Elementary Schools and dedicated to laying a solid foundation for young learners in Preparatory 1 at COEC Model Schools. Tabitha is deeply committed to nurturing and shaping young minds, cultivating their love for learning from the earliest stages of their education. Through child-centered activities encompassing cognitive, physical and emotional domains, She supports each learner's unique pace of development.

Gwaza Ibrahim, an indigene of Zango Kataf LGA in Kaduna State, holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto. As the G&C Officer of the prestigious COEC Model Schools Tagama, he is responsible for providing comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling services to all Learners in the primary and secondary sections of the school. This role focuses on supporting Learners' academic success, personal growth, social-emotional well-being, and career exploration, while fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment. Gwaza also teaches subjects related to his field of study, contributing directly to the academic growth of his students.

Jennifer Chinenye Emelife, a PhD candidate and Research Assistant at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, studies critical literacy education for youth with histories of violent conflict and displacement and works in the Addressing Injustices and the Constructive Conflict Pedagogies projects. She has written curriculum materials for critical teaching of literature in West African secondary schools and is a finalist for the British Council ELTons Award for Innovation in English Language Teaching. Jennifer is an Associate Researcher with the UNESCO Centre and recipient of the UK Chevening Scholarship, DKG World Fellowship, PEO International Peace Scholarship, and African Women Development Fund awards. In 2024, she was named a McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Academic Enrichment Grant recipient for her project, 'Literacy amidst Violent Conflict', which equips Nigerian students and teachers in violent contexts with critical literacy skills to challenge and act upon the injustices in their communities.

Deborah holds a degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, with a focus in TV Productions and has developed a strong passion for media and communications through her involvement in various projects. In addition to her degree, Deborah has enhanced her qualifications with a certification in project management from DEXA and the Project Management Institute, equipping her with essential professional skills in project and event management. As a dedicated humanitarian, Deborah has initiated several projects aimed at supporting children and teenagers, and she continues to seek new opportunities to make a difference. Her diverse skill set includes content writing, and graphic design, which she has honed through various training programs. She is currently undergoing training in web design. Furthermore, Deborah has received training in trauma healing, sexual gender-based violence awareness, and HIV/AIDS prevention, reflecting her commitment to impactful work. Deborah believes in the power of education and the importance of providing assistance to individuals in need. Her strong organizational skills have facilitated her involvement in numerous outreach projects, enabling her to collaborate with various organizations. Notably, she has successfully reached out to 150 students by providing essential school supplies and assisted several girls by distributing sanitary pads. Through her efforts, Deborah exemplifies a dedication to humanitarian work, particularly focusing on the well-being of children in rural communities.