Iyiola Pedro
A U.S.-based non-profit organisation, Global G.L.O.W. says it has partnered Health Aid For All Initiative (HAFAI) to educate girls in Nigeria about COVID-19 related information through radio programming.
Global G.L.O.W’s Programme Manager, Binta Freeman, said via an email interview, that the radio programme targets girls living in communities severely impacted by COVID-19.
She said the programme focuses on a girl-led approach to advocacy, with participating girls taking it upon themselves to keep their communities informed and empowered.
Freeman said: “In the midst of the global pandemic, we noticed how social isolation, and an overall lack of resources, impacted the girls our partner (HAFAI) works with and, most notably, those who live in IDP Camps.
“The girls are unable to convene in person, so we bring them together in an innovative, digital way, allowing them to build community with each other, disseminate knowledge and share critical COVID-19 related information.
“So, to support these girls during this incredibly difficult time, HAFAI decided to pilot a radio program, where they transitioned Global G.L.O.W.‘s standard in-person programming to a girl-led radio show, for a primarily girl audience.
“We currently have 100 Global G.L.O.W. girls who listen to this programme; these girls live within the IDP Camps and attend G.L.O.W Club at their schools.
“However, there are other beneficiaries and community members who listen as well because the number of listeners grew over the course of last year to 2.1 million.”
“There is limited mobility within and out of these zones but, with this radio programming, girls can experience programming crafted for them even in the midst of uncertainty”.
She said that resources such as internet access, solar-powered radio set, writing utensils and printed materials were provided as part of Global G.L.O.W.’s Safer At Home packets to enable the girls engage in the programme.
“These packets were created to give members an opportunity to unwind with games and puzzles, interact and learn from their family members, explore their own personal strengths and find new ways to support their well-being and respective communities during this time,” she added.
Freeman, therefore said that the organisation will continue to priotise girls’ social-emotional, mental and physical health and launch innovative ways to keep girls engaged given the rising cases of violence against girls and women.
Global G.L.O.W. is a nonprofit organisation, that creates and operates innovative programmes through partners in 23 countries to mentor girls to advocate for themselves and make their communities stronger.
The implementing partner and founder, HAFAI, Dr Ugochi Ohajuruka, said the goal is to reverse UNICEF’s pre-pandemic prediction that there were more than 10 million out of school girls.
She said the camps are located in Durumi, Karmajiji, Kuchigoro in the Federal Capital Teritory, while states included Borno, Ondo, Abia, Benue.
“So it’s very important that we integrate girls in learning and education with this Global G.L.O.W form of learning to reform and revitalise the educational structure in Nigeria.
“We involve them during the radio programming because we believe that girls know what girls need. So they come to the office when we have to produce the radio content.
“They are part of the production, they bring their ideas to the table; a lot of them are part of the storytelling, book reading and serve as peer educators.
“It (the programming) has reached a lot of girls, boys, parents, guidance, and people who just stumble on the programme,” she said.
