For many of the girls at the Idi-Araba Correctional Centre in Lagos, smiles are not always easy to come by. But over several months, laughter, colour and renewed confidence filled the halls as WeRunTheWorld-Girls returned with Painting Smiles 2.0, an empowerment initiative designed to restore hope and offer practical pathways to a better future.
The non-governmental organisation, which focuses on empowering, educating and inspiring women and girls, recently concluded its three-phase programme at the Children Correctional Centre for Girls and the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi-Araba. In total, more than 65 girls participated in hands-on vocational and creative sessions aimed at preparing them for life beyond institutional care.
For the participants, the experience went beyond learning new skills. It was about being seen, encouraged and reminded that their circumstances do not define their worth or potential. Volunteers and facilitators worked closely with the girls, creating a safe and supportive environment where they could learn, ask questions and express themselves freely.
Painting Smiles 2.0 was implemented in three structured phases. The first phase, held between October 28 and November 2, 2024, introduced the girls to soap making and tailoring, offering skills that can translate directly into income-generating opportunities. Phase two followed on December 18, 2024, with training in catering and basic culinary skills. The final phase, held on December 13, 2025, focused on Adire, the traditional tie-and-dye textile craft, reconnecting the girls with indigenous creativity and cultural expression.
Throughout the programme, participation was encouraged through interactive sessions and small gifts, helping to build confidence and motivation. According to the President of WeRunTheWorld-Girls, Amb. Oluebubechukwu Sharon James, the initiative was deliberately designed to meet both emotional and practical needs.
“Painting Smiles 2.0 was intentionally created to remind these girls that their past does not define their future. Through skills, encouragement and community support, we are helping them rediscover confidence and hope,” she added
The success of the programme was driven by collaboration. Support came from committed volunteers, anonymous individual sponsors and partner organisations including Token Foundation, LizzyAdams Initiative, CRIMMD and Yes You Can International, all of whom contributed resources and expertise to ensure the programme’s impact.
Painting Smiles 2.0 is part of WeRunTheWorld-Girls’ broader community-based empowerment work targeting girls under 18 in correctional institutions. The initiative combines vocational training with mentorship, psychosocial support and confidence-building activities, placing dignity, rehabilitation and sustainable empowerment at the centre of reintegration efforts.
