Bridge International Academies has said education will unlock the potential of children regardless of gender.
A statement made available to The PUNCH on Thursday in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child said that some recent data showed that there had been some improvements in the education of the girl-child in Nigeria, saying there was still a lot more to be done to reach Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2030.
Managing Director of Bridge Nigeria, Foyinsola Akinjayeju, noted, “October 11th is set aside every year to spotlight the rights and unique challenges that girls around the world face, and this year’s theme; ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our leadership, our well-being; resonates very deeply with Bridge’s mission and values especially as it concerns issues around digital and life-skills training. Bridge International Academies recognises that education is the key to unlocking the potential of every child, regardless of gender.”
The report according to World Bank’s data showed that 43.7 per cent of girls and 50.4 per cent of boys completed lower secondary school in Nigeria as of 2010, the 2022 UNICEF Country Office Annual Report says 67 per cent of girls and 69 per cent of boys completed lower secondary education in 2021.
“Every time we deprive a ‘girl-child’ of her rights, we stifle potential, we dim a prospect, we short-change our world and for us at Bridge, we are aligned with the SDG four to provide inclusive and equitable education for every child,” Foyinsola added.
The Schools’ Director, Bridge Nigeria, Omotola Francis-Akinlolu, added, “Bridge International Academies actively engages with communities to promote the importance of girls’ education. Through initiatives like parent-teacher associations and community meetings, we encourage parents and caregivers to support their daughters’ education and break down traditional barriers. Bridge’s curriculum is also designed to be gender-responsive, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by girls. We aim to empower our female students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.”
