NGO Hails Wike Over Schools’ Renovation, Girls Empowerment

By: Wisdom Acka

An Abuja-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), SafeWorld Empowerment and Development Initiative (SWEDI), has commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over on-going renovation of FCT schools.

The commendation was made by its Founder/Executive Director, Mrs. Sewuese Asa, during a programme organized at Junior Secondary School, Kabusa, Abuja, in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child,

She explained that renovation of schools was in tandem with the objectives of her NGO, which was empowering the girl-child -improving their education, health, rights and basic hygiene.

Her words: “The infrastructural reforms in FCT schools under Wike are timely and crucial for the advancement of education in the nation’s capital and the surrounding States.”

“At SWEDI, we understand that creating a supportive and conducive learning environment is a key component in empowering girls. These improvements, which provide safe and clean spaces, perfectly align with our organization’s goals of fostering educational opportunities and promoting girls’ well-being,” she added.

“Through programmes like SWEDI Care, which focuses on menstrual hygiene and girls’ overall health, we work to ensure that girls are equipped to stay in school and succeed academically,” the Executive Director reiterated.

“These reforms are, therefore, essential in helping girls focus on their education and grow into empowered, capable leaders,” Asa emphasized.

According to her, the International Day of the Girl-Child, themed: Girls’ Vision for the Future, was an opportunity for her to outreach and properly sensitize the girls on menstrual hygiene, as well as distribution of dignity packs to them.

While stating that the outreach was aimed at supporting girls’ overall well-being, Asa stressed that her NGO was focused on “a clear vision of creating lasting change for women and girls across Nigeria.

One of the participants, Miss Mohammed Fatima, who is Head Girl of the school, described the outreach as a timely, informative and impactful initiative.

Speaking on behalf of all the beneficary girls, Miss Mohammed disclosed that they learnt about the importance of menstrual hygiene and how to take care of themselves, especially during their monthly period.

She said: “We have learned that having a period is normal and there is nothing to be ashamed of. And with the dignity packs from SWEDI, we now have the things we need to manage our periods properly, even when we are in school.

“We can now even teach our friends and younger sisters about menstrual hygiene, so they don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed about their periods. We all deserve to feel strong and proud, no matter what,” the Head Girl.

“This programme has made us feel more confident about ourselves”, she stated.