“Seven years ago when we first met, little did we know how our lives would be changed by that faithful encounter. You’ve taught us so much just by the power of your commitment, hard work, dedication, and your resilience. We have learned together that communities where empathy, compassion, and understanding flourish make the very best learning environment.”

Dr Fatima Akilu (Executive Director, Neem Foundation)

The Lafiya Sarari Learning Center, born out of the ashes of conflict, stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unyielding power of education. On Monday, the 13th of May, history was etched into the annals of time as thirty-two young women, once shattered by the atrocities of Boko Haram, stood tall as the first graduating class of this remarkable institution.

Established seven years ago, the center opened its doors to one hundred girls, survivors of a brutal conflict that ravaged communities and tore families apart. Traumatized and stripped of their innocence, these girls embarked on a journey of healing and discovery, guided by the unwavering commitment of the NEEM Foundation. Today, they emerge not just as graduates, but as beacons of hope, resilience, and strength who have been fully immersed in Lafiya’s value based curriculum which has resulted in graduates in both character and learning.

Binta Usman, the valedictorian of the graduating class, encapsulated the collective sentiment of her peers,

“Our time here has not been without its challenges, but we have emerged stronger and wiser because of the Foundation’s education initiative. I can tell you that over 90% of these girls seated here are orphans and the rest are children of struggling parents who had at some point lost all hope due to the Boko-Haram mobocracy.”

The impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on education in Borno State cannot be overstated. With over 2,295 teachers killed, 19,000 displaced, and almost 1,400 schools destroyed, leaving several children without access to education, the future seemed bleak for the children of this region. Yet, in the face of adversity, the Lafiya Sarari Learning Center stood as a beacon of hope, offering a lifeline to those who had lost everything.

 Falmata Mohammed Talba, the best graduating student in the sciences expressed her gratitude on behalf of the graduating class,

“We are particularly grateful to Neem Foundation, Dr. Fatima Akilu, Mrs. Hurera Atta, and the other Focal Neem Foundation staff present here today. Your presence in this significant gathering is highly valued. Your investment in our futures has not only transformed our lives, but has also inspired us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.”

As these graduates step into the world, they carry with them not just a certificate, but a story of triumph over adversity. They are living proof that education is the key to rebuilding societies torn apart by violence. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of love, support, and the unbreakable spirit of humanity.

The graduation of the first set of the Lafiya Sarari Learning Center is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.