By Mercy Abalaku | Program Officer
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
By Mercy Abalaku | Program Officer
By Mercy Abalaku | Program Officer
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