Adolescent girls across Nigeria continue to face significant threats to their safety, wellbeing, and education. From exposure to unsafe content and cyberbullying online to physical risks and gender-based pressures in their schools and communities, many girls are left vulnerable at a young age. These challenges not only affect their personal safety but also contribute to school dropout, low self-confidence, and limited opportunities for future success.
Recognizing these pressing challenges, Beyond the Classroom Foundation implemented the Safer Girls Project 2.0, a four-day intensive program held from Monday, 2nd February to Thursday, 5th February 2026, across three schools in Durumi: Ecwa Academy, Durumi 3, and Destiny Child’s Scientific Academy, Gudu. The initiative reached over 70 adolescent girls, equipping them with practical tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the increasingly complex digital world, as well as everyday safety risks in school and community settings.
Key Focus Areas of the Program
- Digital Safety and Online Awareness: Participants were educated on responsible use of technology, identifying online threats, handling cyberbullying, and protecting personal information. The sessions emphasized practical strategies to stay safe while navigating social media and other digital platforms.
- Personal Safety and Risk Management: Girls learned to identify unsafe situations in schools and communities and were equipped with techniques to respond effectively. They also explored the importance of seeking help and reporting unsafe experiences.
- Confidence, Leadership, and Self-Empowerment: Through interactive workshops, role-plays, and group exercises, girls strengthened their self-esteem, assertiveness, and decision-making abilities, helping them to take control of their lives and education.
- Mentorship and Peer Learning: The program encouraged dialogue between mentors and students, allowing girls to share experiences, learn from one another, and build supportive peer networks.
- Community and School Engagement: Teachers, school administrators, and parents were actively involved, receiving guidance on reinforcing safety practices, supporting girls’ personal development, and fostering safer learning environments.
Gloria Basil, Project Assistant for Events at Beyond the Classroom Foundation, reflected on the program:
“It was inspiring to see the girls engage so actively and ask questions about their safety and rights. Programs like this are essential to give them confidence and practical skills to navigate today’s challenges.”
Faith Okoro, Project Assistant and Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, added:
“Seeing the girls discuss, role-play, and learn together was amazing. Many of them left with a stronger sense of self-awareness and empowerment. This is exactly the kind of impact we hoped to achieve.”
Throughout the four-day program, participants demonstrated high levels of engagement in discussions, interactive exercises, and mentorship sessions. Teachers and mentors reported noticeable improvements in confidence, assertiveness, and willingness among students to address issues affecting their safety and education.
Raquel Kasham Daniel, Founder of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, emphasized the importance of the program:
“The Safer Girls Project 2.0 shows that when girls are given the right knowledge, tools, and support, they can navigate challenges safely and confidently. We are grateful to the IGNITE Consortium for enabling this program and proud of the impact we’ve been able to extend from Kabusa and Bwari to Durumi.”
The Foundation remains committed to expanding the Safer Girls Project to more schools across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, ensuring that adolescent girls are equipped with the resources, mentorship, and supportive environment needed to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
