Keep Girls in School Through Sports

Before the Program:
Mary, age 13, wakes before dawn to fetch water and help her mother in the market. As the oldest daughter, her chores never end. She’s often too tired or anxious to attend school. When she does, Mary sits quietly in the back, afraid to speak. She dreads lunchtime, watching boys play football while she stands on the sidelines, wishing she could join. With no encouragement and no safe space, Mary’s grades slip, and her parents consider pulling her out of school permanently.

After Joining the Program:
Now, Mary’s alarm still rings early, but she’s excited—it’s training day for the Makurdi Green Cup. She finishes her chores with a smile because she knows her team is waiting. At school, Mary is greeted by her teammates. She wears her football jersey with pride. During break, she’s no longer a bystander; she’s on the field, laughing and running, her confidence growing with every goal.

The sports coaches, who are trained to support and mentor girls, notice Mary’s improvement and encourage her academically, too. She joins after-school life-skills sessions, learns leadership, and starts helping others. Her parents come to watch her play, seeing their daughter shine for the first time.

Mary’s grades improve, and she dreams of becoming a teacher. She says, “Now, I am seen. I am strong. I know I belong.”