Adolescent girls in Nigeria face numerous challenges that hinder their access to quality education and personal development. To address these challenges, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program was launched. This initiative, implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank, is designed to improve learning outcomes and empower teenage girls through education, life skills, and mentorship. The program is currently operational in 18 states across Nigeria, including Bauchi State, and is positively impacting thousands of adolescent girls.
AGILE in Bauchi State: The Life Skills Training Component
As part of AGILE’s efforts to create a supportive learning environment, the Sub-component, Life Skills Training is being implemented using a safe space approach. This initiative focuses on equipping adolescent girls with essential life skills, confidence, and resilience, ensuring they can navigate their educational and personal development journeys successfully.
SISWACHI’s Involvement: Reaching Over 146,000 Girls
The Syndicate in Supporting Women and Children Initiative (SISWACHI) is at the forefront of implementing the Life Skills Training across all 20 local government areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State. Under this program, 146,872 adolescent girls aged 10-20 years in senior secondary schools will benefit from a structured mentorship intervention.
The strategic mentorship approach involves training mentors who will use safe spaces within schools to conduct module-based mentorship sessions. These safe spaces offer a supportive environment where girls can develop critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills. For 2025, SISWACHI is prioritizing 58,749 girls in 100 selected schools, ensuring targeted support for those in the most underserved areas.
Addressing Socio-Economic Barriers
AGILE places special emphasis on under-resourced LGAs with low secondary school transition rates, where girls face significant socio-economic challenges. By providing them with mentorship, life skills training, and educational support, the program empowers girls to stay in school, build self-confidence, and pursue brighter futures.
A Future of Possibilities
SISWACHI’s commitment to adolescent girls’ education and empowerment aligns with AGILE’s vision of creating a more equitable society. Through strategic interventions like the Life Skills Training, we are paving the way for a generation of empowered young women who will contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Together, we can transform lives, break barriers, and build a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
