BY NONYE JULIET
Kaduna
Stakeholders in Kaduna have expressed appreciation to SKY Girls Nigeria for positively transforming the lives of adolescent girls in the State.
SKY Girls Nigeria a girl-focused initiative that supports adolescent girls in overcoming peer pressure, intimidation, and other challenges.
The District Head of Doka Alhaji Bala Mohammed Tijjani, during stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Kaduna commended SKY Girls project, adding that it has changed the lives of teenage girls positively.
He also endorsed the project, commending its goals and objectives.
Tijjani added that SKY Girls could serve as a platform to convey vital messages and education to adolescent girls.
He emphasized that adolescence is a crucial period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
“At this stage, they need guidance, life skills, and survival techniques. SKY Girls is providing exactly that, and it’s something we urgently need”.
A parent of one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Daniel Friday, expressed appreciation for the organization’s positive impact on his 13-year-old daughter, Dinah Friday, who is a person with a disability.
Mr Friday shared that his daughter, Dinah has acquired essential life skills such as savings and financial discipline.
He therefore, encouraged other parents to allow their adolescent girls to participate in the programme, highlighting its positive influence.
The Project Manager of SKY Girls Nigeria, Koni Bakka explained that the choice to target adolescents was intentional, as it was easier to instill positive values during their formative years.
She said “Our main focus is financial inclusion. We teach the girls how to be ‘Money Smart, how to spend, save, and invest wisely. If they learn these values now, they’ll make better financial decisions as adults and be motivated to earn on their own”.
She shared a success story of a young girl who, through the skills gained from the project, started a small business and was able to pay her school fees and junior WAEC exam fees, she said.
ENDS
