At least 70 adolescent girls were equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate both online and offline challenges in today’s technology-driven world.

This was the thrust at the Beyond the Classroom Foundation Safer Girls Project 2.0, a four-day initiative held recently across three schools in Durumi – Ecwa Academy, Durumi 3, and Destiny Child’s Scientific Academy in Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory.

This is following the success of the first edition of the Safer Girls Project in 2025 held in Kabusa and Bwari. This second phase focused on addressing critical safety issues for girls in the digital age, while also reinforcing lessons on personal safety, self-esteem, and empowerment.

The programme tackled the growing challenges girls face in schools and communities, including exposure to online risks, cyberbullying, unsafe interactions, and gender-based pressures that threaten their education and wellbeing.

The Safer Girls Project 2.0 was made possible with the generous support of the IGNITE Consortium, whose commitment to girls’ education and safety enabled the foundation to reach more schools and provide comprehensive sessions for participants.

Girls explored topics around internet safety, responsible use of social media, cyberbullying, and protecting personal information. They also learned strategies to identify and respond to unsafe situations in their schools and communities.

In its confidence and leadership workshops, interactive sessions encouraged girls to develop self-confidence, assertiveness, and decision-making skills, enabling them to take control of their education and personal growth.
For mentorship and peer learning, participants engaged in small group discussions and mentorship sessions, sharing experiences, challenges, and strategies for navigating complex social environments.

Community and school engagement offered school staff and community stakeholders supportive environment for the girls’ ongoing development. Teachers received practical guidance on how to promote safety, encourage participation, and reinforce the project’s lessons.

A student from Ecwa Academy shared her experiences: “I have learned how to protect myself online and know what to do if I feel unsafe. I feel stronger and more confident to speak up.”

At Destiny Child’s Scientific Academy, another student remarked: “Before this programme, I didn’t know how dangerous some things on social media could be. Now I can make better choices and help my friends stay safe too.”

Over the four days, the programme saw enthusiastic participation from all 70+ girls, who actively engaged in discussions, role-plays, and interactive exercises. The sessions highlighted the importance of balancing technology use with personal safety, fostering self-awareness, and understanding girls’ rights.

Founder of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, Raquel Kasham Daniel, stated: “The Safer Girls Project 2.0 shows that when we empower girls with knowledge and confidence, they are better able to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Every girl we reached now has tools to protect herself online, make safe choices, and pursue her education without fear.

We are grateful to the IGNITE Consortium for their support, which made this project possible, and proud to see the impact of this program continue from Kabusa and Bwari to Durumi.”

The Beyond the Classroom Foundation remains committed to expanding the reach of the Safer Girls Project to more schools, ensuring that adolescent girls across Nigeria are equipped with the resources, skills, and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and person