Koni Wendy Bakka, the project manager of SKY Girls in Kaduna State, disclosed that the initiative had empowered teenage girls with practical life skills, entrepreneurial drive, confidence, purpose, and self-worth.
The project manager made the disclosure on Wednesday at Holiday Conference Hall in Kaduna while presenting project activities during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting.
Koni Wendy Bakka explained that the project is designed to help young girls navigate peer pressure, develop small businesses, and embrace their identities with pride.
A teacher at Yason Schools in Kaduna State, Dinah Timothy, said the initiative inspired students to support their families and build life skills by running small businesses during school holidays.
She said some girls became more confident and started small businesses, while also improving their personal health habits and learning better financial management skills.
The project manager stressed that the SKY Girls initiative is gaining support among educators, parents, and the girls it serves across communities in Kaduna State.
She said the programme focuses on reinforcing local identity and pride rather than imposing external culture, while introducing useful skills for navigating today’s challenges.
Koni Wendy said the programme includes informative magazines, creative events, and practical workshops that promote personal development and entrepreneurship.
She said parents are noticing the impact, citing Friday Daniel, whose daughter Dinah faces physical challenges and has recorded improved self-esteem through the initiative.
Daniel said his daughter now stands up to peer pressure and saves money from her part-time hairdressing work while developing dreams for a better future.
He said the programme teaches practical skills and encourages participants to think entrepreneurially and plan for long-term personal development.
He said he was initially sceptical about the SKY Girls magazines used to engage teenage girls and was concerned about their suitability.
