Educate a Girl in Nigeria & Give Her a Future

How do you say no to a young girl who's had a singular dream almost her entire life? When they apply, it's just a scholar number assigned to them - their registeration ID. She was #35 on my list to call. Until you make the call and speak with with them it doesn't hit you: why you do this; why it makes sense; how such a seemingly little thing can transform the trajectory of so many girls' lives...

Back to #35. So I called her to tell her she would be attending. And she gives out this joyful, heart-tugging yelp of laughter. "Really? She asks, incredulous with happiness. 'I've always wanted to work in broadcasting', she continues. 'Now, I'm at Auchi polytechnic, when I finish, I want to be someone who shares the news with people on TV, someone who gives important information to make lives better.'

I ask her if her mother or father is around so I can speak to them re consent form, since she'll be traveling from Benin to Lagos. There was silence at the end of the line. I prompt her again, thinking perhaps my  airtel line has failed me, and she speaks in a small voice, the excitement fading off: 'My mom died when I was three.' 'May her soul rest in peace,' I say, wishing I'd not asked the question. Thinking of my own daughter. So many thoughts competing in my mind. And so to bring up the energy, I asked gently: Call your dad, let me speak with him. Silence again; Then, almost in a sort of shame and a tinge of empathy and wisdom, she says quietly:

'Hmmmnn, aunty, the truth is, he's not really constant in my life, but it's okay, I guess. My grandmother raised me, all by herself.' She finishes the last sentence, with a sense of pride in her voice and love. Oh, you could feel the vibrations of love when she mentioned her grand mother. So I say instead: Say a big thank you to your grandmother, may God bless her for doing a wonderful job.' And those were her magic words. Her energy is lit up immediately and she laughs with the certainty of one who's heard a deep TRUTH. "Yes o, God will continue to bless my grandmother, she's the greatest." We laugh and pray together, for her grandmother, for her dreams, for her joy at the hands that life has dealt her...

By the time I put down the phone, she's no longer #35. She's as real as day. Her name is Martina. I am honoured to have come across her path and for the blessing to hear about her grandmother. Again, her name is Martina and she'll be attending the EAGNigeria Training. Her dreams are simple: I want to be a broadcaster, so my grandmother will look at me on the TV and know she did right by me.

We have more than 100 deserving girls across Nigeria on our waitlist to attend #EAGNigeria.  Donate today, please spread the word, and together, we can transform lives.