On Tuesday, 16th July 2025, the VDI team visited the FCT School for the Blind, Jabi, as part of the startup phase of our IGNITE (Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Transformative Education) Project. The visit marked a vital first step in implementing the project in the FCT, which aims to improve access to education for 320 adolescent girls with disabilities across FCT and Bayelsa State. The team introduced the school leadership to the IGNITE project’s plans — which include: · Life skills development workshops · Distribution of school uniforms, learning kits, and payment of school fees · Direct support for girls from extremely poor households · Psychosocial and mentorship sessions Notably, the team also shared that school materials are ready and distribution will happen once the students return from break ensuring resources reach them at the most impactful time. During the engagement, the school management raised critical concerns, especially the emotional abandonment by parents, neglect of menstrual hygiene needs, and a deep lack of aspiration among the girls, fueled by poverty and hopelessness. One heartbreaking anecdote involved a student saying her dream was to "peel melons" — illustrating how limited exposure and neglect can crush ambition. In response, VDI committed to expanding its intervention to include transport stipends for parents who struggle to return their children after holidays, as well as logistics support for stranded girls. The team also pledged to explore partnerships for providing menstrual hygiene kits and training.

Voice of Disability Initiative(VDI)