The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has launched a new initiative aimed at providing access to education for disadvantaged girls and young women in Kogi State.
The Second Chance Education Programme aims to support out-of-school girls and young women with learning and life skills in all parts of the State.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement and sensitization programme in Kabba with the theme: “Second Chance Education; Restoring Hope, Rekindling Dreams, Empowering Girls & Women”, the State Project Coordinator of AGILE, Ahmed Tijjani Oricha represented by the Deputy Coordinator, Aminat Suleiman said the initiative was designed to sensitize communities about the importance of giving adolescent girls another chance to pursue education.
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She emphasized that many girls who dropped out of school due to poverty, early marriage, or family responsibilities now have the opportunity to either re-enroll in school or benefit from vocational training that will make them self-reliant.
Aminat urged adolescent girls to remain hopeful and determined, noting that the initiative was structured to accommodate both academic and non-academic pathways.
“My advice to the girls is never to give up hope. This project is structured to carry everyone along; those who want to continue academically and those who prefer to learn a trade. With determination and support, they can achieve their dreams,” she said.
Similarly, Component Lead of the Second Chance Education, Hajia Maryam Bello, described the programme as a movement to restore dignity and opportunity for young girls whose education was interrupted.
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Bello noted that beyond literacy and numeracy, beneficiaries would gain vocational and life skills to enable them contribute meaningfully to society.
He urged community leaders, parents, and stakeholders to play active roles in supporting and protecting the rights of girls, stressing that “when you educate a girl, you transform a family and when you transform families, you transform communities.”
The AGILE stakeholders’ engagement on Second Chance Education for out-of-school girls and young women continues in Kogi Central and Kogi East senatorial districts of the state.