In celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Empower Her for Sustainable Development Initiative in Africa (also known as Empower Her for Africa), a non-governmental organization focused on empowering women and girls, awarded scholarships to over 30 out-of-school girls in Abuja.

 These scholarships reflect the organization’s dedication to advancing education for disadvantaged girls, providing them with a pathway to a brighter future.

 The award ceremony took place in the Lugbe area of Abuja, where the girls were officially enrolled in Primary One, Junior Secondary School (JSS1), and Senior Secondary School (SS1) at Government Primary School, Gosa, Government Secondary School Gosa, and Government Secondary School Sabon-Lugbe along Airport Road, Abuja.

 The scholarships will cover all school-related expenses, including tuition, uniforms, textbooks, and other essential fees until the girls complete their secondary education.

 This initiative continues the NGO's “Educate the Girl Child” project, which began six years ago. To date, over 50 girls have received scholarships and enrolled in secondary schools throughout Abuja, with many having graduated and progressed to university.

 Mrs. Charlene Makai, Founder and Executive Director of Empower Her for Africa, noted that the selected girls were identified in some of Abuja’s most underserved communities, where educational access is limited. 

 She emphasized that the NGO's mission is to provide these underprivileged children with the opportunity to achieve their dreams through education, focusing on key areas such as education, child marriage, violence, and gender inequality.

 Mrs. Makai called on development partners, government bodies, and international donors to support the organization’s efforts to empower girls and amplify their voices.

 The NGO is appealing to compassionate Nigerians and international partners to contribute to the initiative. Donations will help cover the costs of sending these out-of-school girls to school, equipping them with the tools needed for a brighter future.

 The theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the urgent need for action to secure a better future for girls, particularly through education.

 Mr. Lanre Oloyede, Program/Media Director of Empower Her for Africa, spoke on the theme, emphasizing the critical role education plays in achieving this vision. He stressed that every girl has dreams and aspirations for a hopeful future, and education is the means to reach that future.

 He also highlighted Nigeria's significant challenge of nearly 20 million out-of-school children, a substantial number of whom are girls.

 In her remarks, Mrs. Emmanuella Daphey noted that the NGO’s enrollment initiative marks the International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally on October 11. This day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, aims to recognize girls’ rights and the specific challenges they face worldwide.

 Mrs. Daphey added that the day serves as a call to action, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls.

 Empower Her for Africa’s scholarship program began with a pre-qualification assessment on September 24 in the Sabon-Lugbe/ACO area. This assessment determined the eligibility of over 30 students for the scholarships, ensuring the initiative reaches those most in need ahead of the 2024/25 academic session.