For Sonia, becoming a teacher at a Community Based Accelerated Learning Space meant supporting girls who had previously been excluded from education and helping them rebuild confidence within the classroom. Many students arrived without basic literacy skills, while others felt nervous speaking, participating in lessons or engaging with teachers for the first time.
Sonia remembers how difficult those early days could sometimes feel, particularly when trying to encourage girls who had little previous exposure to structured learning.
“Some children could not even hold a pencil properly in the beginning. They were very hesitant and lacked confidence.”
Over time, Sonia worked patiently with students through activities, classroom discussions and play-based learning approaches designed to make education feel safe and engaging.
“At first, the children were shy and afraid. Slowly, through activities, games and friendly behaviour, they began participating more confidently.”
Sonia says she particularly values the child-centred teaching methods introduced through the project training.
“The method I liked the most was role play and being friendly with the children. We should not be strict with them because these children need a friendly approach.”
As the months progressed, Sonia began noticing significant changes not only in learning levels, but also in the girls’ confidence and behaviour. Students who once stayed silent in class were now participating actively in lessons, interacting with teachers and expressing themselves more openly.
She also witnessed attitudes towards girls’ education begin changing within the wider community.
“Parents now want this school to continue and expand because they can see the difference education has made for their daughters.”
Alongside teaching lessons, Sonia regularly engages with families and encourages parents to continue supporting girls’ education, particularly in communities where girls have traditionally faced barriers to learning.
For Sonia, education is not only about literacy and numeracy, but about helping girls imagine futures that previously felt out of reach.
“My advice is that students, especially girls, must be given education.”
Today, Sonia continues supporting girls through compassionate teaching, encouragement and inclusive learning, helping students who were once excluded from education build confidence, ambition and hope for the future.
The Empower Her project was made possible thanks to generous public donations to READ Foundation, matched by funding from the UK government through UK Aid Match. Through safe, inclusive and community-based learning spaces, the project is helping out-of-school girls aged 6–16 access education closer to home.
