NGO and AGILE mobilise Zamfara leaders to enrol girls in school
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tribune Online
Nigerian NGO Health Standard Concern Organization and the AGILE project brought together religious and traditional leaders in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Saturday to address barriers to girls’ secondary education. Its executive director, Abdullahi Lawali Bungudu, cited poverty, social norms and insecurity, and called on mosques, churches and palaces to promote girls’ education, according to Tribune Online.
Health Standard Concern Organization (HESCO) and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which supports adolescent girls’ education in Zamfara State, brought together religious and traditional leaders in Gusau to address barriers to girls’ schooling. The meeting was held on Saturday at Karma Hotel, according to Tribune Online.
HESCO Executive Director Abdullahi Lawali Bungudu cited poverty, unfavourable social norms, domestic chores, insecurity and insufficient parental support among the factors limiting adolescent girls’ access to secondary education. He called on traditional palaces, mosques, churches and community meetings to promote girls’ schooling and combat practices that hinder their education.
AGILE deputy coordinator in Zamfara, Salisu Dalhatu, said the discussions had identified the obstacles faced by girls and prepared commitments intended to produce concrete action. Musa Umar Aboki, executive director of Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), meanwhile noted that some local beliefs prioritise girls’ marriage and family responsibilities over their education.
