It’s been a year since Boko Haram, Nigeria’s terrorist group opposing women’s education, kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls. It’s reported that some of the girls were sold into slavery for $10 each, and some may have been killed.
For a young girl growing up in Nigeria, the pursuit of education can be terrifying. However, education is often the only way out of poverty.
Here, we share the story of Chiamaka, a 14-year-old Nigerian girl.
YTF:Tell us about yourself.
Chiamaka: My name is Chiamaka and I’m 14 years old. I come from a family of five, and am second to the last in my family. I attend Urban Development Secondary School, Owerri Imo State.
How did you learn about YTF?
I knew I had to learn computers somewhere outside the school because my school doesn’t offer computer classes. Especially because the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) exam, which is Nigeria’s college entrance exam, is now computer-based.
I couldn’t easily find outside computer classes, but one day I saw that some of my classmates going to a “She Will Connect” program offered at YTF. I asked my classmates about it, and was told that it’s free! I went to check out the class the next day, and fell in love with YTF. The building was beautiful, had a neat environment, and best of all, had many computers!
How do you like your experience at YTF? Did you know how to use computer before you enrolled in the program?
My experience at YTF has been amazing. When I first went there, I met Aunty Peace, who’s so kind. She introduced herself, and asked our names and school, and showed me around the YTF classrooms. I immediately felt at home.
I didn’t know how to use computer at all before coming to YTF. I didn’t even know how to turn a computer on or off!
I’m sure you’ve heard about the Chibok girls who were kidnapped. How did it make you feel?
Yes, I have heard about the Chibok girls. I saw the news on TV and everyone around me – my parents, friends, classmates, teachers, and acquaintances – were talking about it.
How did it make me feel? I wanted to cry when I heard the news. They’re girls just like me, and I was afraid that they would be raped and killed. And I worried about how their parents would feel about it. Some of them are only children, and I thought their parents must have felt so sad and desparate.
I also thought about how my parents would feel if I was one of the Chibok girls.
How did your classmates react when they learned about the Chibok girls kidnapping?
All of us were very sad. Some got very angry, and especially the girls, most of whom are the same age as the kidnapped Chibok girls, were so heartbroken by the news.
How did your family react when they learned about Chibok girls kidnapping?
My parents were heartbroken and most of all, very afraid. They questioned how this happened in the first place – where were the teachers, principal, and gatemen, and why didn’t they call the police? But then they heard that the police just didn’t arrive in time, and became so worried for me and my sisters because this could happen to us, too. My parents actually wanted us to stop attending school, but I persuaded them otherwise because I still want to get an education.
What does education mean to you?
Education means a lot to me. It means everything. Only with education, my dream can come true and my future can be bright and secure.
I want to know more about my country and the rest of the world and help others, and I know that with education, I can achieve my dreams.
Do you mind sharing with us your parents’ attitude toward your education?
My parents don’t have the money to support my education, so they decided to send me to my uncle, who’s seeing me through my education. My twin sister decided to stay with my parents instead.
What are your biggest fears?
My biggest fear is that I won’t be able to pursue education due to external circumstances. Happenings like Chibok girls kidnapping make me worried about my safety. I also worry about whether my uncle would continue to support me throughout my education – will he ever get tired of supporting me? I pray to God that I’ll be able to finish my degree without having to drop out.
What are your dreams?
My dream is to serve the almighty God with all my heart, and to not think or worry about what other people might say about me. I also dream of becoming a lawyer, and eventually serving the less privileged. I want to achieve a life of peace, love, humility, and giving.
