Build the Agency of 150 Adolescent Girls and Women

The state of education continues to worsen with 18.5 million out of school children, 60% of which are girls. There has been a remarkable transformation in the educational landscape, specifically in the realm of girls' education. Across the globe, an increasing number of girls are defying societal norms and overcoming numerous obstacles to enroll in secondary schools

For generations, girls have faced countless barriers to accessing education, particularly at the secondary level. Traditional gender roles, economic constraints, early marriages, and cultural beliefs have all played a role in limiting girls' educational opportunities. However, a significant shift is occurring as communities, parents, and young girls themselves recognize the importance of education in empowering women and driving societal progress.

One of the key drivers behind the rise in girls' enrollment is the growing recognition of the benefits of educating girls within communities. Local initiatives, community-led campaigns, and partnerships with NGOs have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for girls' education. Furthermore, parents are increasingly embracing the idea of educating their daughters, acknowledging the long-term advantages it brings to their families and communities.

Economic constraints have long been a major obstacle to girls' education. Poverty often forces families to prioritize the education of their sons over their daughters. However, a range of initiatives, financial aid, and income-generation programs, are now being implemented to alleviate financial burdens and make education more accessible. These initiatives have empowered families to invest in their daughters' future, paving the way for a new generation of educated women.

Educating girls not only improves their individual prospects but also contributes to achieving gender equality and promoting women's empowerment. By breaking the cycle of illiteracy, girls gain the knowledge and skills necessary to participate fully in society, challenge gender norms, and pursue their ambitions. Education empowers girls to become leaders, advocates, and catalysts for change in their communities, fostering a more inclusive and equal society for all.

The increasing enrollment of girls in secondary schools is a cause for celebration and a testament to the transformative power of education. As girls in Kaduna State break down barriers and seize opportunities, they are reshaping communities, challenging gender norms, and building a brighter future for themselves and generations to come. The collective efforts of communities, parents, and the generous support from GlobalGiving have laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equal world, where every girl can dream, learn, and achieve her full potential. We have enrolled 72 out of school girls in school all thanks to your donations.

What the girls and parents have to say:

I have been dreaming of this day, I never knew it was already close to me. So, my dreams are no longer under the carpet, I will achieve it I am in school and I’m very happy.

Lubabatu 17 years old

I dropped out of school when I lost both of my parents at the age of 9. Few years later I got married. I always wanted to go back to school because I still have interest in school. When a girl advocate of EVA approached me and told me about the chance to be enrolled back in school again, I started crying. This is a dream come true. I had lost all hope of ever getting an education.

Today I was called to gather at the Sarkis palace to come for my school things and start school, I am so happy and I will make you proud.

Zulai,14 years old

I have three children, of which none is in school, but with one getting an education I am short of words to express this joy. Honestly to feed is a challenge so the last thought is even putting my children in school, but this I must confess isa burden taken away from me

Parent 32 years old

During the last enrollment, my daughter was not lucky to be enrolled in school, but I told myself it was not her turn yet and I told her to patient it will come. She cried and told me so is that the end? I tried to encourage her that if God says she will achieve her dreams it will happen. And today is the day. It has happened. All I can say is may God bless you all for this kind and generous support

Parent 36 years old

The objective of this project is to improve access to education for girls, especially girls from poor homes in rural communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

In 2018, free education was declared for all by the Kaduna state government. However, school managements continued to impose hidden fees on students. Due to the low socio-economic status of most families, these hidden fees are a huge burden and as a result, families often ask girls to remain at home, to be groomed in domestic duties, and in preparation for marriage. More so, gender remains an important factor in the pattern of educational marginalisation in Nigeria with girls experiencing several barriers to education fuelled by negative socio-cultural norms.

Therefore, we have commenced the enrolment process for 78 girls, who would never have been able to go back to school without this support. We have mobilized the 78 girls to be enrolled in the next school session in April as the schools are presently conducting background checks due to insecurity in Kaduna State.

Here are some of the girls’ stories and how they feel about going back to school.

I dropped out of school when I lost both of my parents at the age of 9. Few years later I got married. I always wanted to go back to school because I still have interest in school. When a girl advocate of EVA approached me and told me about the chance to be enrolled back in school again, I started crying. This is a dream come true. I had lost all hope of ever getting an education. Zulai,14 years old

I dropped out of school because I got pregnant at the age of 13. I wanted an opportunity to go back to school because I want to be a Newscaster in the future. Anytime I listen to the radio and hear women read the news, I feel very happy and imagine I am the one. I am grateful for this opportunity to realize my dreams. Raliya, 14 years old

I dropped out from school in JSS3, I couldn’t continue because my parents couldn’t afford my school needs. Despite the free education, I still have to pay PTA levy, badge and exam fee. With this support to go back to school, I will not take my learning process for granted. I will ensure I make my parents and community proud. Ladidi, 16 years old

My daughter came home to inform me that she attended a safe space session for girls in the community and she has been selected among the next batch of girls to be enrolled in school. I shedded tears of joy, I never thought that we still have people out there that care for those they don’t know. Parent

All enrolled girls will be provided with school materials including school uniform, sandals, bag, and writing materials.

We continue to count on your donations to enable girls remain in school and complete their education