The International Day of the Girl Child, is a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the ‘girl child’. Its origin can be traced to the World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995 and it is marked globally on 11th day of October every year.

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses its attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote their empowerment. It aims to identity the potential and power of the girl child by opening opportunities for her. It is also aimed at amplifying and empowering the voices of adolescent girls. The theme for this year's celebration was ‘Digital Generation: Our Generation’.

The Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba, Delta, was not left behind by her counterparts globally, as she was in attendance at the Delta State Girl Child Empowerment seminar, held at the State Government House, under the umbrella of the Delta State Girl Child Empowerment Office.

One of the major points raised by the group of female entrepreneurs selected to form the panel for the event was that girls should learn to appreciate themselves first as a human beings – and not simply as a gender. This is because success is not determined by gender, but by being outstanding in whatever one does as a human being. It was further explained that to be exceptional, girls must aspire and work towards improving themselves: they must add value to themselves and to society through education and developing skills, including and especially skills relating to the world of technology.

The young ladies present were told that, a female who positions herself as the missing piece of the puzzle, is instantly an indispensable asset to her environment. She is not easily marginalised, overlooked or ignored.

ODORUME Oghenemine (Miss)
Teacher of CRS & Social Studies
Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba.

Infant Jesus Academy (IJA), one of the leading secondary schools in Asaba, Nigeria, recently celebrated its first post-pandemic graduation ceremony for the class of 2021 on the 3rd October 2021.

Established in 1999, IJA, a Catholic co-educational private day and boarding school in Asaba, holds a firm belief in the power of an outstanding education to help young people succeed and change lives for the better.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the proprietress of Infant Jesus Academy, Mrs. Rose Ada Okwechime, said: “We are celebrating the tenacity, drive and hard work of our graduating learners in an exceptional era filled with challenges and opportunities. I have every confidence that you have been a special mold which has shaped your future as you proceed to the next level up.”

In the School Chaplain’s message to the graduates, he left them with these words: “Quid quid agas, prudenter agas, et respice finem” which means, “Whatever you do, do wisely and look to the end”.

In expressing the school's pride in their achievements, the Principal, Dr OTIS V. WILKS CMgr FCMI, FCCT, told the graduates: "You will always be an alumnus of the Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba. Remember this and make the most of the opportunities this will without question afford you”.

With an outstanding pass rate from the previous year (100% pass 2020 WASSCE & NECO), IJA is a place for parents that understand that excellent education is essential to achieving goals.