Shades of Us and Girls at the Internally Displaced People’s Camp in Wassa
By Cynthia Umeh
On October 18, 2024, the Qatar Hall at Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp was alive with excitement as out-of-school girls, families, community leaders, partners, and supporters came together to celebrate the achievements and resilience of girls enrolled in the Stand with a Girl Education Project (SWAGEP). This event, held in honor of the International Day of the Girl Child, was more than just a graduation ceremony: it was a celebration of progress, an amplification of voices, and a call to inspire these young girls to imagine a brighter future.
The day opened with heartfelt remarks from Executive Director Margaret Bolaji-Adegbola, who expressed pride in the progress each girl has made and admiration for the resilience of the Wassa IDP community. The woman leader extended a warm welcome, setting a tone of unity and encouragement. Adama Ali, one of the graduates of the ceremony, introduced the day’s significance, highlighting the importance of celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child and recognizing the achievements of the girls as they journey toward education and agency.
In an inspiring panel session led by Maureen Torkula and Mercy Bolaji, several young speakers shared their dreams and thoughts on the importance of education. Fatima Ali spoke passionately about dreaming big and refusing to hold back, while Mary Musa emphasized the role of educating boys as allies to advocate for girls’ education. Amina Abubakar reminded everyone that girls are the future, and Adama Abubakar encouraged the girls to look beyond their current challenges and envision a tomorrow filled with possibility. Each girl’s insights resonated with the strength and optimism that has carried them this far.
The day’s highlights included commitments from partners who expressed their continued support for girls’ education, health, and rights in underserved communities. These pledges underscored the collective effort to ensure every girl at Wassa has access to opportunities and a future filled with promise.
Raquel Daniels, Executive Director of Beyond the Classroom, captivated the audience with a motivational talk titled ‘Dream Big, Achieve Bigger’. She urged the girls to hold fast to their dreams and push through adversity, inspiring them to see their potential as limitless. Her words left an indelible impression on each listener, reinforcing the belief that their aspirations can and should be pursued.
As the ceremony continued, awards and certificates were presented to honor the girls and their teachers for their dedication and resilience, serving as a tangible reminder of their accomplishments and their community’s support. The day wrapped up with laughter and lighthearted games, offering joy and connection among the girls and everyone in attendance.
Shades of Us stands proudly in support of SWAGEP and the Internally Displaced Girl’s Summit because we believe that empowering girls in underserved communities is essential to building a more just and inclusive world. Education is a fundamental right that breaks down inequalities and sparks sustainable change, especially for girls facing significant barriers. Supporting initiatives like this aligns with our mission to amplify the voices of girls in underserved communities and contribute to a world where they can thrive, lead, and inspire others. Together, we are working toward a future where every girl is equipped to realize her dreams and shape a brighter tomorrow for all.
