In Miango, Plateau State, Nigeria—a region scarred by relentless violence and persecution, a beacon of hope has emerged for young Christian girls. Through a collaborative effort between The Blessing Projects, Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a transformative program titled “Empowering Young Vulnerable Girls with Training on Sewing Skills and Hygiene Promotion” is equipping girls with tools for self-reliance and recovery.
This program directly addresses the plight of young girls whose lives have been upended by systematic attacks from Fulani militias and extremist groups like Boko Haram. These groups have devastated Christian farming communities across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba States, leaving behind a legacy of trauma, displacement, and poverty. For many girls, survival has meant enduring forced marriages, sexual violence, and life without education or stability.
Against this backdrop of suffering, the sewing skills initiative offers more than vocational training—it provides a pathway to healing and empowerment. At the launch event in Miango, Dr. Lawrence Zongo, a passionate human rights advocate, underscored the program’s significance.
“These young girls are more than victims of conflict; they are the future of their communities,” Dr. Zongo said. “Empowering them is not just an act of charity; it is an act of justice and a moral obligation for the global community.”
The program provides sewing machines donated by The Blessing Projects to eight vulnerable girls. This effort enables them to gain financial independence, support their families, and rebuild their lives with dignity.
The Human Cost of Persecution:
The statistics are staggering. According to ICON’s Silent Slaughter report:
These numbers reflect a grave humanitarian crisis, with Christian girls bearing the brunt of displacement and neglect. Public systems have failed to provide essential support, leaving organizations like The Blessing Projects to fill the gap.
Miss Elizabeth Paul, an NYSC Corp member facilitating the program, shared her optimism: “This is about restoring hope and dignity. With these sewing skills, these girls can take control of their futures.”
Reverend Joshua Barrie, who commissioned the donated sewing machines, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that the initiative celebrates not only resilience but also the cultural heritage of the Rigwe community, with traditional dancers performing to mark the occasion.
Participants like Saratu Auwuna and Jessica Monday expressed their gratitude, noting how the training has given them a new sense of purpose. “This sewing machine is more than a tool; it’s a new beginning,” Saratu said.
Dr. Zongo issued a clarion call to American churches, NGOs, and individuals to join the fight against Christian persecution in Northern Nigeria. He highlighted the obligations under international treaties like the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), urging the global community to act.
“This is a moment for collective action,” he said. “Your support can provide education, vocational training, and trauma care for girls who have endured unimaginable suffering.”
The Empower Our Girls project exemplifies the transformative power of small but meaningful interventions. By donating to The Blessing Projects, American Christians can directly impact the lives of girls like Saratu and Jessica, giving them the tools to escape the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. Every contribution funds not only sewing machines but also hope, confidence, and resilience.
As Dr. Zongo concluded, “Empowering these girls is not just a step toward justice—it is the foundation for a brighter future.”
Written By Dr. Lawrence Zongo
Watch the video from the event: https://youtu.be/zU_3AbqhJgY
With your support
