Give the gift of education to transform lives

“I firmly believe in the value of education for future success.”

Llenes is a student of the Healthcare Services course at the Banilad Center for Professional Development (BCPD) in Philippines.

Growing up in poverty, she witnessed how her family struggled financially, facing difficulties in affording even the most basic necessities, which is why, from a young age, she thought:

 “I see education as my beacon of hope to uplift my family from poverty.”

After she graduated from senior high school, she started to doubt herself and worry about her future. While her friends were excited to attend their first day of class in college, she was at home feeling hopeless, wondering if she still had a chance to go to college and pursue nursing, which had always been her passion since she was a child, or if she should  just let that dream be a "dream" and just find a job in order to help her family financially.

While she was searching for a scholarship related to the Health Care Services NC II course, she saw the post on BCPD school page offering a scholarship for the course.

“Without any hesitation, I took the risk and applied for the scholarship. Fortunately, my prayers were answered.

This school has empowered me to pursue my life goals despite financial constraints by offering quality education. I believe that BCPD serves as a guiding light, not just for me but for other students as well, providing the means to turn their dreams into reality. 

I am beyond grateful that I've got the opportunity and the chance to pursue my passion in healthcare that I thought I wouldn't. 

Without the help and support of BCPD and WONDER Foundation, I wouldn't be here.”

Links:

• https://wonderfoundation.org.uk/

Nigerian girls face great challenges on their paths through education and formal employment. The normalization of gender-based violence means that there is an unequal distribution of resources, especially regarding education. Wonder recognizes this issue and challenges it by providing scholarships for marginalized girls in order to offer them a chance to build a successful career and gain confidence.

Wavecrest College of Hospitality in Lagos focuses on vocational training in the hospitality industry, the most promising sector of the Nigerian economy. Chiamaka, a 22 year old student at Wavecrest, shows the resilience and willpower the students at Wavecrest bring with them. Despite several difficult setbacks, Chiamaka is growing into a confident and hopeful women, who can set an example for many other girls who come from a similar background. Chiamaka's testimony is an example of how a scholarship can change a person's life:

“I chose to study at Wavecrest because it is a beautiful place that is known for not only educating girls but also shaping them into women with valued skills and experience.

Before I began studying at Wavecrest College, I was struggling with my mental health. It was difficult for me to see my friends achieving their dreams while I wasn’t.

I was fortunate enough to be given a scholarship to study Hospitality Management three years ago.

I have learnt a lot since being at Wavecrest College, such as housekeeping, cooking, ushering and waitressing at events. My course mentor has also placed me in contact with people who may need my services and I am hoping that these people will also tell their friends of my work.

My studies have both inspired me to teach others and helped me to grow into a better person. I have gained the confidence to talk to those around me and share with them the things I have learnt.

Since studying at Wavecrest College, my dreams for my future have changed. Before, I wanted to own my own restaurant and mind my own business. But now, I dream of going to new places, talking to new people, and hearing their stories.

I am very proud that I have learnt to carry myself with confidence and boldness. I am very grateful for getting the right education with the right people. I am so grateful that people believed in me enough to give me this opportunity.”

With WONDERs support, Wavecrest is providing Chiamaka and other young women in her situation with a scholarship to continue her education.

Thank you for supporting the education of young women like Chiamaka all around the world.