Keep 30 girls in school through theatre projects.

In the semi-urban areas of Lagos State, Nigeria, the Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) initiated a transformative after-school program that utilized dance and theatre as powerful tools to inspire and empower young girls. Among the various art skills employed, dance took centre stage in fostering positive change in the lives of these aspiring young women.

The program began with a dance class thoughtfully designed by the instructor to profoundly impact the participants before delving into other aspects of dance. Over five months, seventeen eager girls attended the weekly three-hour sessions with enthusiasm and determination.

Located in the heart of Bamako estate, Ojodu Berger, the GCAF office served as the space where the girls convened for their practical sessions. The dance class focused on three main objectives:

• Using dance as a stress-relief mechanism
• Promoting physical exercise
• Fostering a sense of community among the girls

Remarkably, the program achieved an impressive 92% participation rate from the girls.

As the girls gathered after-school for their rehearsals, the toll of their school's activities and exertions was evident in their tired demeanour. However, the magic of dance came alive after we provided some snacks before the first 30 minutes of exercise as their spirits lifted, and weariness gave way to enthusiasm for longer hours of practice. The dance exercise awakened and invigorated every inch of their bodies, enhancing flexibility and muscular strength, evident in their willingness to endure the rigorous rehearsals that followed.

Beyond physical benefits, dance was a conduit to create strong bonds among the participants. During the rehearsals, they were often split into pairs or formed a circle to perform the same dance steps. This powerful symbolism emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity, resonating with the message that, as a community, they could achieve anything they set their minds to. The absence of designated leader asides from the instructor during the dance sessions further reinforced the idea that unity and coordination were paramount. This concept extended to the need for girls and women to stand together, ensuring each other's safety and well-being in society.

The impact of the dance and theatre after-school program was only possible with the generous support of the sponsors. GCAF deeply appreciates you for your financial contributions and advisory support. Thanks to their donations, the program gave the girls access to quality instruction and supplies at no cost. The donations covered the instructors' salaries, ensuring the girls received expert guidance and mentorship. The sponsors' efforts allowed underprivileged girls to benefit from these enriching classes, opening doors to opportunities they would otherwise not have had.

In conclusion, the positive influence of dance and theatre in the lives of these young girls was evident in their transformed attitudes, increased self-confidence, and sense of belonging within the community. Through the empowering rhythms of dance, the Girl Child Art Foundation played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of strong, capable, and united women ready to make a lasting impact on society.

Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) is delighted to share her progress in her performing Arts program with the young girls in our community over the past four months. The performing arts programs at the GCAF studio are dedicated to supporting young women and girls as they navigate their performance styles and passions in an environment that encourages vulnerability and creativity. A total number of thirty girls have been participating in the drama class.

Our classes have been on since January 2022, and ever since we resumed, about 23 girls have been frequent.

These young girls have dedicated 2hrs twice a week for 13 weeks at our studio space in Bamako area of Ikeja, Lagos.

As a basic necessity to understanding the skill, the girls have been taught Voice projection, proper stage balance, and how to perfect their acting roles. These classes have engaged our girls as an afterschool program, providing a safe space for positive interactions and fostering cultural dialogue through drama. The program allows girls to meet girls from various backgrounds and share and learn under the supervision of a trainer or instructor. So far, the girls have been able to demonstrate their progress in their ability to speak confidently in public.

 With the disturbing growth of sexual harassment, domestic violence, and cyberbullying among young people, the program engages their minds with positive, creative activities. It helps reduce time spent on harmful online content.

Ambra said, "I was timid before joining the Girl Child Art Foundation. I didn't know I could be a good actor until the tutor gave me a role to play without a script; I could communicate words and actions accurately, and he was pleased with my presentation".

Acting has given girls in our community a voice and built their self-esteem.

 Our rehearsal studio space is equipped with African drums and other local instruments that usually accompany our plays. The props and musical instruments support the rehearsed stage plays' emotions.

The title of our latest play is Bukola's trivial; Bukola was born and raised by her single mother due to the separation from her father.  Bukola was made to hawk items on the streets to support her mother's livelihood, which exposed her to rape, and she became pregnant at 12yrs old. The teenage pregnancy affects Bukola in her studies; she tries to explain to her mother that she was raped, but she wouldn't listen. ....

We use this medium to drive conversations around problems young women and girls face in our society. We hope you can see the drama in person or online soon.

On this note, we sincerely appreciate your support, financial contribution, and advisory support. Our activities and supplies are provided for these girls at no cost. Your donations make it possible to pay the salaries of our various instructors. These were only possible with your efforts. Thank you for making these services available for girls who cannot afford these classes. THANK YOU!