Breaking Barriers, Empowering Girls: COEC Partners with AGILE for Educational Change

Breaking Barriers, Empowering Girls: COEC Partners with AGILE for Educational Change We are super excited to announce that Community Outreach for Educational Change (COEC) has been selected as an advocacy partner for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in six local government areas of Kaduna State: Kachia, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Sanga, Zangon Kataf, and Kaura LGAs. This partnership is a powerful amplification of what we stand for—ensuring quality education for all, especially adolescent girls who face multiple barriers to completing secondary education. The AGILE project, supported by the World Bank, aims to bridge educational gaps by tackling issues like gender inequality, financial constraints, early marriage, and school infrastructure deficiencies. Why This Partnership Matters Education is more than just learning; it is a tool for empowerment, economic growth, and social change. In Kaduna State, adolescent girls face significant challenges, including: Limited Access to Secondary Education – Many communities lack adequate schools, forcing girls to travel long distances or drop out entirely. Financial Constraints – Families struggling with poverty often prioritize boys' education over girls'. Early Marriage and Cultural Barriers – Many girls are pressured into early marriages, cutting short their education and future opportunities. Infrastructural Deficiencies – Inadequate classrooms, lack of sanitary facilities, and unsafe learning environments deter girls from continuing their studies. With AGILE, we will advocate for policy changes, community awareness, and grassroots engagement to ensure that every girl in these six LGAs has the opportunity to complete her education in a safe and supportive environment. COEC’s Role in the AGILE Project As an advocacy partner, COEC will: Raise Awareness – Conduct community campaigns to sensitize parents, educators, and policymakers on the importance of girls' education. Engage Stakeholders – Work with local governments, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to foster support for girls' education. Monitor and Report – Track progress and challenges in the implementation of AGILE in these communities. Empower Girls Directly – Through mentorship programs, skills training, and psychosocial support for adolescent girls facing trauma or societal barriers. The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for Nigeria By investing in adolescent girls' education, we are shaping a better future for Nigeria. Studies have shown that when girls are educated: Poverty Declines – Educated women are more likely to be employed and contribute to economic growth. Health Outcomes Improve – They make better health decisions for themselves and their families, reducing maternal and child mortality rates. Communities Thrive – Education empowers girls to participate in civic engagement, decision-making, and leadership. A Huge Thank You to Our Partners We extend our deepest gratitude to the World Bank, AGILE Project Team, and all funding partners for trusting us with this mission. Your support fuels our passion to make education accessible and impactful. Together, we will break barriers, empower girls, and transform communities. COEC: Educate, Empower, Libertate!!! Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey!