Project Launch: 10-27-20

In Wucicciri, Nigeria, the average age of marriage is 13 years and the average age of first child birth is 14 years. With 90 out of 100 mothers experiencing infant mortality, a high rate of divorce in the community, and low school education levels among women, educating young women on personal health and life skills is needed. The Cigaba Youth Education Development Initiative is launching four girls groups, where adolescent married girls will gather to build community and learn about Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, life skills, hygiene, negotiationg skills, nutrition, and financial literacy among other topics. Fifteen girls will meet in each group with a mentor on a weekly basis. The community organization has been sensitizing the community leaders, religious leaders, and community members, including men, on the project so as to generate familiarity and support. Girls will pass on their skills as "cascading mentors" to other girls in the community who are not a part of the initial group of 60.