by Ruth Gibson
Strong Enough Girls’ Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) through funding provided by Nigerian Youth Futures Fund in collaboration with LEAP Africa carried out a transformative project in the Kurudu community, Abuja – Nigeria in 2023 sponsoring the education of twelve promising girls for the entire year. As we look back on this remarkable initiative, it’s evident that the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
The project aimed to empower girls in the Gbagyi community through a multifaceted approach to education. It initiated strategic advocacy efforts involving visits to both government parastatals and community leaders. These visits served as a foundational step to garner support and understanding of the project’s goals. Engaging with key stakeholders at this early stage laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts moving forward. Following the advocacy phase, the project extended its outreach to the community members. A sensitization campaign was conducted to convey the critical importance of girls’ education. This educational effort sought to address any cultural or societal barriers that might hinder the girls’ enrollment in schools. Creating awareness within the community about the long-term benefits of educating girls was integral to the project’s success.
A pivotal aspect of the initiative was the community involvement in nominating girls for sponsorship. This participatory approach ensured that the selection process was inclusive and reflective of the community’s perspectives. The subsequent selection process was conducted with a commitment to fairness and transparency, utilizing predetermined criteria to identify 12 girls who demonstrated both need and potential. With the selected girls identified, the project seamlessly transitioned to the orientation phase. This involved preparing the girls for their educational journey, familiarizing them with the expectations and opportunities that lay ahead. The emphasis on orientation was aimed at not only the practical aspects of schooling but also instilling a sense of confidence and motivation among the selected individuals.
The enrollment phase marked a crucial milestone as the sponsored girls officially began their educational pursuits. The project ensured that all essential school requirements were met to facilitate a smooth integration into schools. Tuition fees, school essentials and other necessities were addressed to eliminate financial barriers, enabling the girls to focus on their studies. Recognizing that education extends beyond the classroom, the project incorporated a bi-weekly tutoring and mentorship session. This ongoing support system was designed to supplement formal education, providing a space for personalized guidance and skill development. Mentors played a vital role in nurturing the holistic growth of the sponsored girls, offering academic assistance and life skills that would contribute to their overall development.
16 year old Mercy Emmanuel, faced with the prospect of discontinuing her education after completing primary school due to cultural prejudices, experienced a transformative turn of events. As a recipient of the scholarship program, she overcame the barriers that had kept her at home for several years and is now thriving as a fully enrolled student. Her academic performance reflects the positive impact of this opportunity. The scholarship not only opened the doors to education for Mercy but also dismantled the societal biases that had initially hindered her educational journey. This inspiring narrative showcases the profound influence of educational initiatives in breaking down cultural barriers and empowering individuals to realize their full potential.
The project has made remarkable progress in accomplishing its goals. The proactive engagement with stakeholders, identification and targeted addressing of barriers, provision of scholarships, and the implementation of holistic support mechanisms collectively contributed to the success of the initiative. The impact of the project extends beyond the immediate educational outcomes, laying the groundwork for empowered, confident, and educated girls who are poised to contribute meaningfully to the Gbagyi community’s development. Despite the fact it has come to an end, as the impact of the project continues to unfold, ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies will further enhance its effectiveness, ensuring sustained and transformative impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
In summary, the project gave the girls hope for a better future. Without a doubt, investing in girls’ education today offers significant developments for the community.
To find out more about the project, click here.