Hauwa dropped out of school at age 7 due to financial hardship. Hauwa’s dream of learning seemed impossible, but things changed when Hauwa's mother attended a community engagement session organised by the Save the Children team to raise awareness on the importance of education for community members in Hauwa’s community.
Hauwa is 13 years old, and her favourite subject is English. She enjoys reading stories and spelling words correctly. Hauwa says it makes her feel confident and smart. Hauwa had to drop out of school at about age 7 because her parents were struggling financially and could not afford school materials. In place of going to school, Hauwa had to work to help her mother with her business.
It was always painful watching other children go to school while I had to work. Sometimes, I would see them wearing their uniforms and carrying their school bags, and I wished I could be like them. I loved learning, and it made me sad to think that I might never go to school again.
Things changed when Hauwa's mother attended a community engagement session organized by the Save the Children team to raise awareness on the importance of education for community members in Hauwa’s community.
One day, some people from Save the Children visited our community. They spoke to parents about the importance of education, especially for girls. My mother attended the meeting and told them about my situation
With support from Global Affairs Canada, Save the Children provided Hauwa with learning materials to facilitate her enrollment in school.
Save the Children supported me by helping with school materials like a school uniform, sandals, exercise books, a water bottle, a school bag, and other items. They also spoke to my parents about the importance of my education. After that, my parents agreed to let me return to school
At age 9, Hauwa was re-enrolled in school! Now in primary six, Hauwa is excelling in school; she is not just enjoying school, but also topping her class.
When I was re-enrolled, and I felt so happy! The day my parents told me I could go back to school. I jumped up with excitement. My parents were also happy because they wanted me to learn, but could not afford it before... My experience in school has been very exciting!... I learn new things every day, and my teachers are very kind. I have been coming first in my class, taking part in school quizzes and competitions, and now I can read and write well.
This year, Hauwa reached a significant milestone: she was selected to represent her state in a national spelling bee competition. From once being out of school to becoming a state representative in the primary category at the National Spelling Bee.
I never imagined that one day I would get the chance to represent Yobe State in a national spelling bee competition! When my teacher told me I had been selected, I couldn’t believe it. I competed with many students, even those from big private schools, and I won! Now, I will be traveling to Abuja to represent my state.
Hauwa dreams of being a lawyer so that she can stand up for people’s rights and help those who need justice. We are truly excited about Hauwa’s achievements and hope that she receives all the required resources to go beyond and surpass her aspirations.
Save the Children, Nigeria works to increase access to quality early childhood care and development and improve access to safe, quality and gender-responsive basic education for vulnerable, marginalised out-of-school girls and boys. Save the Children education programmes also focus on ensuring learning continuity for children in conflict & disaster settings, improving literacy and numeracy competency skills and supporting teachers and learners’ well-being.
