Introducing the ADDA Girls
One of our major milestones has been the successful inauguration of 150 girls from Gombe State into our scholarship scheme. These scholars, known as the "ADDA Girls," were selected from various educational levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary. The selection was conducted in a transparent and participatory manner, involving each ward's School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs).
The Selection Process
We developed a selection criterion in collaboration with the community, ensuring that the process was fair and inclusive. The main factors used to identify and select the girls included:
- Financial Need: Priority was given to girls from families struggling to afford the financial obligations of schooling and at risk of dropping out without scholarship support.
- Academic Achievement: Past performance was considered as an indicator of the girls' potential for successful completion.
- Vulnerability: Special consideration was given to orphans, girls with disabilities, or those from families affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Family Size: Girls who are often kept at home or asked to hawk due to large family size and financial constraints were included.
Supporting the Vulnerable
Our criteria also focused on supporting girls in difficult situations such as widows, divorced or married young women who wish to return to school, and girls from female-headed or low-income households. Additional considerations were given to girls from families that devalue female education or who are involved in child labor or hawking.
The motivation and determination of the girls to overcome personal challenges were crucial in the final selection process.
