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Nigeria: Almanah Rescue Mission (ARM)July 2005 Anna Dadah knows what it means to be a widow, have children in disadvantaged situations and to pursue an education despite difficult obstacles. She has reserved a spot in her heart for any student that enters her school as an orphan, and for girls without family that face the challenges of gender inequality. For her, education represents the key that can open many doors for the challenged children of Nigeria. Mrs. Anna Dadah, the principal in charge of 600 Junior Secondary School students (Grade 7 - 9), was determined to encourage some changes when she arrived at the Government Secondary School Kabong four years ago. Government schools have long been neglected and for a principal to take interest and make personal sacrifices is rare indeed. Not long ago the carpenters refinished the rooms at the Senior Secondary School to encourage teachers and students to use them. This project allowed the Senior students to move out of the present buildings where the Junior Secondary Students are now being taught and into their new site. Due to lack of government support Mrs. Dadah convinced the Parent Teachers Association to raise most of the money for this project. Up until that move the school was shared with the Junior and Senior Secondary students. Since the school day was divided between the two sets of students, the teachers and administration had very long days. Now, both student bodies can go to school in one shift beginning at 7:30 am and going until 2:00 pm. In addition, the school now has two bore wells for water and two separate gender specific latrines spaced far apart and away from the school buildings. The Almanah Rescue Mission orphans enrolled at the Government School Kabong feel comfortable with their surroundings and the principal in charge. As for orphans, Mrs. Dadah raised 3 partial orphans (children missing one parent) in her home from the age of 28. At the time her husband died she was left with three children aged 6, 3 and 3 months. Her own experience growing up a girl in a male-dominated society taught her that education was the key to the door that opened opportunities. She did not give up, paid her own school fees, where necessary, by working part-time and finally graduated from university. She went on to enroll in post-graduate education and managed to secure her Masters in School Administration. "Girls are at a disadvantage and they need to be encouraged to get educated. They will be able to think for themselves and make wise choices when faced with struggles in our society." Mrs. Dadah sees little support from families to encourage girls in their education. If a choice has to be made in a family, the boy will get to go to school, even if the girl is older. Girls are expected to marry and remain in school for only a few years. The girls who are orphans are at an even greater disadvantage. Mrs. Dadah has taken time to meet with these girls to talk about safety, self-esteem and other issues that require some counseling. "Support for the disadvantaged, such as the orphans being sponsored by the Global Family Program, will make a big difference in a child's life. My personal experience in seeing how an education can build self-esteem and provide valuable knowledge about life, directions and wise choices is something that more people should recognize. Support must come from somewhere and we're glad there are people in the global community who share in our vision to give children a chance at education in our land far, far away." More about Global Family in Nigeria |
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