By Patrick Ochei
Fostering Hopes Foundation (FHF), a Delta State-based non-governmental organisation committed to child protection and development, has engaged students of Ibusa Girls’ School in an awareness programme to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The event, held on Monday, October 12, 2026, was designed to inspire the students, strengthen their understanding of their rights and equip them with the knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for adulthood.
The programme focused on the United Nations’ theme for the 2026 celebration, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” drawing attention to the need to protect girls from harmful practices while promoting their welfare, education and personal development.
Delivering a lecture at the event, renowned child rights advocate and legal practitioner, Barr. Dora Enwelikwu, examined issues affecting girls and the importance of empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives.
Enwelikwu highlighted the need for girls to understand their fundamental rights, appreciate their responsibilities and develop the confidence to make choices that would positively shape their future.
She also emphasised the importance of equipping young girls with the right knowledge and values to confront societal challenges, protect their dignity and take advantage of opportunities available to them as they transition into adulthood.
The Principal of Ibusa Girls’ School, Mrs. F. C. Ajufo, commended Fostering Hopes Foundation for its commitment to the welfare and development of the students.
Ajufo expressed delight at the Foundation’s decision to engage the school in the celebration, describing the initiative as a valuable contribution to the girls’ growth and well-being. She appealed to the organisation to sustain its relationship with the school by considering it for future programmes and interventions.
In her remarks, the school’s Head Girl expressed appreciation to the Foundation for organising the programme, noting that the engagement had provided the students with important lessons on their rights, personal development and well-being.
She urged her fellow students to apply the knowledge gained during the session to their daily lives and use the lessons as a guide in making responsible decisions.
A major highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary pads to the students and their teachers, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to promoting menstrual health, personal hygiene and the overall well-being of girls.
The gesture also drew attention to the importance of menstrual hygiene support in creating a more comfortable and supportive learning environment for female students.
Through the initiative, Fostering Hopes Foundation reaffirmed the importance of sustained advocacy, education and practical interventions in advancing the rights of girls and supporting their development into confident, informed and empowered members of society.
