Creating a world where every girl knows her worth and feels empowered to pursue her dreams is possible. A world where education, health, and support systems equip girls to break barriers and create their futures. Yet, for many girls in African society, challenges like limited access to education, poor health support, and societal pressures hold them back.
At Queen Luciano Foundation, we believe in turning this narrative around, starting from one community at a time. In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, we extended our efforts to two cities: Ondo town in Ondo state and Benin City in Edo state. There, we inspired hundreds of girls to envision a future brimming with possibilities.
Celebrating the Potential of the Girl Child in Ondo Town
For the celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in Akure, the Queen Luciano Foundation visited St Louis Girl Secondary School, Ondo. Together with a representative of its collaborator, Kids and Teens Resource Centre, the QLF team arrived at the school by 9:45 a.m., just in time for the 10:30 a.m. start. The day was marked by enthusiasm, as the school hall had been fully prepared ahead of the event.
With one of our finest volunteers, Miss Esther Ayorinde as the MC, the program began with the introduction of key guests to the high table, including Mr. Daramola, the QLF general manager, some teachers from the school, and Miss Blessing from Kids and Teens Resource Centre.
The MC helped out with the opening prayer which set the stage rolling for the solemnity of a wonderful agenda for the event.
The opening speech was given by Mr Daramola to set the tone for the day. He praised the efforts of the Foundation’s Founder and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering dedication to empowering young girls annually.
His goodwill message acknowledged the significance of International Day of the Girl Child, recognizing that the future holds great promise for girls when they are supported and educated. He encouraged the girls to be attentive to grab all the information that would be passed on to them that day. He also assured them that the presence of the QLF team in their midst promises to be a memorable day for them.
The first presentation of the day was delivered by the QLF project manager, Miss Juliet Idoko, who expanded on the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” She painted a vivid picture of what girls could achieve if given the right opportunities and encouragement.
Her speech highlighted the boundless potential within each girl, a theme that resonated strongly with the students present. She also encouraged the girls that there is nothing that they cannot achieve in life if they set their minds to it. She, furthermore, enlightened the girls on the importance of living above religious, cultural and institutional subjugation that might challenge their potential.
This message was reinforced by a spoken word performance by Miss Esther, who used poetry to celebrate the strength and resilience of girls. Her performance further helped to lighten up the mood of the girls to that of fun and entertainment.
Further enriching the program, Miss Blessing from the Kids and Teens Resource Centre shared vital information on menstrual hygiene, a topic that is often overlooked yet crucial for the health and confidence of young girls.
Her talk provided practical advice and debunked myths around menstruation, leaving the students better informed and more empowered to take care of their health. She discussed the menstrual flow and how to manage them monthly. She also educated the girls on their menstrual cycles and ways of calculating them.
The presentations were followed by a lively Question and Answer session, where students could express their concerns and aspirations. The two speakers answered the students’ questions with expertise.
Five students took the stage to perform poems, entertaining the audience while spreading messages of hope and perseverance. Following the poetry presentations, the Foundation presented gifts of sanitary pads and food flasks to participating students, fostering a sense of appreciation and community.
The event concluded around 2:00 pm with a closing remark by the school’s counsellor and a heartfelt closing prayer from Miss Bridget, the QLF admin secretary. The Queen Luciano Foundation team, alongside the school staff, handed out placards, snacks, and drinks to the students. Photos were taken, capturing moments of joy and connection as the event came to an end. The smiles on the faces of the students and staff spoke volumes about the success of the day.
Inspiring Girls with Vision and Education in Benin City
Likewise, on the same day, the Queen Luciano Foundation marked the International Day of the Girl Child at Umuagbae Junior Secondary School, Benin City. With the program starting at 10:30 am, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as students and staff gathered to celebrate this important day. The event opened with a powerful speech by Miss Stella, the Marketing Associate of QLF. She focused on this year’s theme: “Girl’s Vision for the Future.” Her speech touched the hearts of everyone present, as she shared how important it is for young girls to dream big and work toward their goals, regardless of societal limitations.
Furthermore, the Secretary of the Foundation, Miss Sandra Glory, took the stage to discuss the importance of education for the girl child in our society. Her message emphasised that education is not just a right but a key to unlocking the potential of every girl. She challenged the girls to embrace learning despite all the hurdles that they might face. She also reminded them that through education, they can change their circumstances and communities.
The conversation shifted to an equally critical topic when Volunteer Nurse Victoria delivered a thorough presentation on “Girl’s Hygiene and Health.” She didn’t shy away from addressing sensitive topics such as menstrual hygiene and overall health maintenance, ensuring that the girls received practical advice to take better care of themselves. She demonstrated her teaching using a sanitary pad to show them how to maintain good hygiene during their menstrual flow.
One of the event’s highlights was the Question and Answer session, led by the General Manager, Mr. Joseph Mmadueke. The interactive session sparked lively discussions as the students raised concerns about the challenges they face today. Mr Mmadueke offered creative solutions, addressing issues from self-confidence to tackling the pressures of modern society. His session underscored the foundation’s commitment to not just identifying problems but also guiding girls on how to navigate and solve them.
This was followed by another great speech from Volunteer Mr. Agbonlahor which wrapped up the event with words of encouragement and optimism. As was done in Ondo, there was a distribution of sanitary to all the participating students.
As the program came to a close around 3:00 pm, refreshments were distributed, and the volunteers helped capture the day with photos.
The principal of Umuagbae Junior Secondary School gave her vote of thanks to Queen Luciano Foundation for finding them worthy to visit during this memorable event. The students and teachers also expressed their appreciation, hoping for another visit soon.
A Unified Vision: Strengthening Girls Across Nigeria
From Ondo state to Benin City, the Queen Luciano Foundation’s commitment to empowering girls remained at the heart of their activity every October. Each annual event reflected a unified goal: to inspire girls to believe in themselves, to equip them with the knowledge and tools they need, and to ensure that they know their future is limitless.
The International Day of the Girl Child was not just a celebration, it was a call to action. By addressing topics ranging from education to hygiene, opening up safe spaces for girls to voice their concerns, and fostering a sense of community and support, the foundation planted seeds of hope in every girl who attended these events. The messages delivered will continue to resonate with the girls as they navigate their paths in life, bolstered by the knowledge that they are not alone and that their dreams are valid.
Conclusion
At the foundation of the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child every October, one thing was clear: the future belongs to girls who are empowered today. Through the dedication of organizations likethe Queen Luciano Foundation, we can build a world where every girl has the confidence, knowledge, and support to chase her dreams and break the barriers that stand in her way. The Foundation’s work in Ondo state and Benin City is just the beginning of this ongoing journey to empower girls and transform communities for the better.
This year’s event has reinforced our belief that when girls are allowed to shine, they will light up the world. We look forward to more opportunities to inspire, educate, and uplift girls across Nigeria.
