Home News UK embassy marks Day of the Girl Child, hosts 12 young Nigerians to Tea, conversation

UK embassy marks Day of the Girl Child, hosts 12 young Nigerians to Tea, conversation

by Armada News
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In the run up to the International day of the Girl Child, the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos had organized a competition for young boys and girls between the ages of 12 to 18.

 

The competition, structured deliberately to include boys as well as girls in order to engage both genders in the much needed conversation about how to reduce the disparity in the number of girls who receive education.

 

The boys were asked for their views on why girls education was important, and what they as your men could do to help, while the girls were asked to share their dreams and how they intended to impact their communities with education.

 

Out of over a hundred and fifty video entries, six boys and girls from across  different schools and social strata in the Lagos were invited to the British Deputy High Commissioner Ms Laure Beaufils’ residence, on Thursday the 11th of October, where the High Commissioner Paul Arkwright, coincidentally on his farewell visit to Lagos, was also present to host the children to tea and conversation.

 

The chosen twelve: Great Ebeke of Kuramo junior secondary school, Mensah Christiana Gbemisola of Kuramo senior secondary school, Vihaan Nagarkar of British International School, Aqeel Bello and Mahaprabha Sapre of Children International school, Mafeni Praise of Deeper Life high school, John Onuigbo, Moyosore Atteh of Corona schools, Mololuwa Faithfulness Adeleke of LIvingspring school, Feyisikemi Okunrinboye of Oxbridge College, Audrey Ekpeyoung of Vivian Fowler Memorial girls college, and Erere Daniel of Eko Boys Grammar School shared their experiences and views on the education of girl children.

 

They proposed solutions and potential avenues through which the British Government, but also themselves in their individual capacities could further help. They also discussed other societal issues facing girl children, and the educational sector in general, as well as the importance of male allies in the fight for equality.

 

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Laure Beaufils said: “It was incredibly inspiring to speak to these bright young Nigerians about such a crucial topic that can sometimes get drowned out by other issues. I am excited by the progressive, insightful ideas that have been shared by these young Nigerians, and the passion with which they spoke makes me very optimistic about the future of Nigeria.”

 

Quoting a line from one of the winning entries she added “They are indeed stars from the African continent.”

 

The High Commissioner Paul Arkwright, addressing the boys in the group said: “It is important for men and boys especially to recognize the role and power they have in making the world a fairer, more equitable place. You should not only desist from such behaviours but speak up when you see unfair treatment based on a girl’s gender.”

 

At the end of the conversation, they were presented certificates by the Deputy High Commmissioner and High Commisioner as #GirlChampions and #HeforSheChampions for their participation in the competition. An edited compilation of the winning videos can be found on the High Commission’s Facebook and Twitter pages @UKinNigeria.

 

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