On June 26, 2024, we commenced the HerFutureFound programme. The programme’s goal is to equip girls in underserved communities aged 13-17 with the essential knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive after their secondary school education. Our target for the first year of this programme is to visit 10 public secondary schools within a 10-month school calendar year.

Our first stop was the Community Senior High School Magbo-Segun, located in the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos. The theme for the visit was “Exploring Non-Traditional Career Paths.” We had three distinguished speakers who spoke to SS1 and SS2 girls of the senior secondary school. The first speaker, a lawyer and digital marketing specialist, spoke on career transitions and exploring complementary skills. Our second speaker, a clinical psychologist, shared her medical school journey and her transition to clinical psychology due to setbacks along the way. Our third speaker, a banker and sustainability professional, discussed sustainable career skills that can enhance career prospects and employability.

The session saw girls asking questions about their career prospects, the possibility of switching careers, opportunities available, and combining various disciplines. The programme also addresses period poverty through the distribution of sanitary pads to all the girls, recognising it as a necessity for their well-being. Additionally, the girls were assigned mentors and provided with our contact information for follow-up questions.

The inaugural session of the HerFutureFound programme at Community Senior High School Magbo-Segun was a resounding success. The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by the students reaffirmed the importance of providing them with guidance and resources to explore diverse career paths. The insightful presentations by our speakers, coupled with the interactive Q&A session, empowered the girls to envision a broader spectrum of possibilities for their futures. By addressing crucial issues such as career development and period poverty, we are committed to fostering an environment where these young women can thrive academically and personally. We look forward to continuing our journey with other schools, nurturing the potential of more girls, and making a lasting impact on their lives.