advocating for girls in fct

I delivered a presentation to 100+ teachers about how to support their struggling girl students through a girls empowerment program I created. I am usually okay with presentations, having done so many, but for some reason I was sooo nervous. Anyhoo, I explained the significance of girls' education and how the multidimensional program can support and empower girls to succeed in school and beyond. Oh btw, the program I created is framed within another initiative currently being implemented to support girls and women in Nigeria. Mine is obviously smallER scale but I believe that it has potential. My colleagues have been immensely supportive with tips on the design and coordinating the program. I passed out interest cards after the presentation and approximately 60 teachers returned them -- expressing interest in partnering with my organization and implementing the program in their own schools. I was so touched. 

We had originally planned (and I presented) to pilot the program in two schools in Abuja but that is currently being revised. What was so amazing was one teacher who came to me when I was outside the meeting hall and asked for further guidance on how she could implement the program in her school in the event that her school was not selected as one of the two pilot schools. Kudos to proactive teachers!! What was also interesting is that in a way, as I design and go through the steps of launching this program, I notice that I am drawing from all the steps and processes I have observed and learned over the past few months.

Needless to say I am quite excited, though exhausted from a considerable amount of work these days. All in all, it felt really great to participate in this part of my organization's work -- working directing with teachers and schools and empowering them with techniques they can use to effectively support their students. 

PS: I guess my obsession with Suya is known around the office because I walked into my office recently and there was some delicious Suya (with lots of pepper and onions) on my desk. woo hoo :)