Maid Strong: Stop Trafficking of Adolescent Girls

We have continued to create and execute activities that leverage our girls and many of our former participants and their children to live quality life. For this period, we have continued to build the strength of our students at Inwelle International Academy of Excellence. Many of the children belong to our former participants who had children out of wedluck and whom we had trained in various skills. They are now able to get income to feed their children since their children go to school, making it easy for them to go to work.

In the academics, our students took their junior West African Examination Council (WAEC) Exam for the first time. This is a great achievement as these children will qualify to enter high school. 

Most of the Academy students are from indigent and/or single mothers. They are unable to afford the exhorbitant school fees posh private schools charge. The understaffed and illequipped public schools in the area churn out illiterates after graduation. Inwelle International Academy of Excellence provides accessible, quality education for these underserved children.

In order to give back, some of our former boot camp participants volunteer at the Academy where they assist in teaching the students skills. (See Photos)

Activity 1: Pattern/Sewing. This activity is geared towards making the girls able to make or mend clothes, using patterns. They are taught to use the measurement of different body areas to create basic patterns. They either hand sew, using needle and thread or sew using machine. They learn how to use the tape, pattern paper, pin and chalk/marker to make their patterns. They are exposed to acquiring this skill to help enhance the financial independence as they can do this part time and make money. The students can now provide alterations and mending services to their peers, family, and even members of their community and earn money. Sewing also offers outlet for self-expression and self confidence building.

Activity 2: Hairband making: In this activity the students make this accessory from fabric, elastic, or plastic that is worn to hold or style hair. This is another area that generates fund for our students as there is a high demand for simple and elegant hair accessories among women and girls.

Activity: Making Tie and Dye

The students are taught how to use chemicals to design on fabrics. Tie and dye making is a good source of income as well. When the materials are well-designed, they sell quickly. It is a lucrative business which also prepares Art students for their future art classes when they get to high school or even further in a university if they decide to major in Art.

As the students face various challenges, including lack of financial resources for purchasing school materials and lack practical skills necessary for workforce, teaching these skills will help them to earn money. Sewing also helps these students develop practical skills as sewing is a versatile skill that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail when they are engaged in various aspects of daily life, such as mending garments, altering clothing to fit properly, and even creating their own unique designs, which can make them earn money. Making Hairband, not only helps them to earn money, but also makes them have terrific fun and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they see themselves wearing that they have made. Tie and Dye prepares them for a future unversity major and even a career.The possibilities are endless.