The Ilimi Children’s Fund (ICF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and entrepreneurship opportunities while championing policies that bolster communities and shield girls from gender-based violence, recently conducted a training program for 50 adolescent girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. This initiative, titled “Teach Her to Reach Her,” focused on equipping these young girls with crucial knowledge and skills in sexual and reproductive health and financial literacy. The program is a component of ICF’s broader Training, Advocacy, Research, and Mentorship (TARM) project, targeting girls selected from ten public secondary schools across the FCT. This initiative underscores ICF’s commitment to empowering young girls with the information and resources they need to navigate adolescence and build a secure future.
The training program addressed a wide range of topics critical to the girls’ well-being. It aimed to dispel common misconceptions surrounding reproductive health, providing accurate information about menstrual cycles, the importance of consent, and available support systems. The program also sought to empower the girls financially, offering practical lessons on saving, goal-setting, and responsible money management, thereby laying the foundation for their future financial independence. By integrating both sexual and reproductive health education and financial literacy training, the program adopted a holistic approach to empowering the girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures.
The “Teach Her to Reach Her” initiative emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for these critical discussions. The one-day training provided an environment where the girls felt comfortable exploring sensitive topics like bodily autonomy, informed decision-making, and economic self-reliance. This focus on creating a safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for fostering open dialogue and ensuring that the girls feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their concerns. The program’s success in achieving this objective highlights the value of creating such spaces for young girls to learn and grow.
The ICF recognizes the collaborative nature of this endeavor and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its partners. WRTHY, a key partner, played a significant role in connecting the program with influential advocates for change. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provided crucial support by delivering rights-based Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education in a clear and age-appropriate manner, ensuring that the information was accessible and relevant to the young participants. The Education Development Center (EDC) Alumni Network led an engaging and practical financial literacy session, enhancing the girls’ confidence in managing their finances. The FCT Secondary Education Board demonstrated its commitment to girl-focused education through its endorsement and ongoing support of the program. This collaborative effort highlights the power of partnerships in achieving meaningful impact in the lives of young girls.
The training sessions featured experienced facilitators who provided valuable insights and guidance. Esesua Adeyemi, founder of JustAskSaisy Enterprise, emphasized the importance of self-discovery, encouraging the girls to become active creators of their own futures. Her message resonated with the participants, empowering them to not just seek opportunities but to create them for themselves. Dr. Kelechi Anyikude of WRTHY expressed optimism about the girls’ future, highlighting the transformative power of education and mentorship in shaping brighter futures. He emphasized the long-term impact of the program, emphasizing its potential to foster lasting connections, instill self-belief, and inspire a generation of informed, capable, and empowered young women.
The ICF recognizes that the “Teach Her to Reach Her” program is just the first step in a larger journey to empower adolescent girls. The organization acknowledges that numerous girls still lack access to accurate information, mentorship, and safe learning environments. Therefore, ICF is actively seeking support from development partners, government institutions, media outlets, and donors to expand the reach and impact of this crucial initiative. The ICF firmly believes that investing in girls yields a multiplier effect, leading to stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for all. This call to action underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure that all girls have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
