HADIZA’S SHOES

On such a day I would have paid less attention to the Children. Not because I do not care, but the focus was to ensure the involvement of all Women and those living with disabilities in the coming elections.

This was the whole idea when we visited the ‘Anguwan Guragu’ settlement, a community named after those living with the disabilities of Hands and foot. It was to promote total inclusion and get the women to be active participants. 

We were almost done with discussing interest, benefits and challenges the women were facing. Out of the blues she appeared roaming about with laughter and an infectious simile. She was not a distraction however she was attentive despite her young age and innocence. She keenly investigated every movement like a detective with rapt attention and focus.

I got attracted to her because she was unperturbed, regardless the heat, she was without shoes. Her feet ached because of the sun, however she was fascinated at the gathering of women. Her creamy hijab rested playfully on her head as she fiddled to adjust the red pant she was wearing on the blue t-shirt. Her interest was just to understand what these people were doing. There was another girl with her, maybe a sister or a friend. Whatever their relationship was, they giggled at practically everything that was done or said. I was not sure if they understood but I was certain that they were interested. 

Even after the strict instructions that only women of ages 18 and above were invited, these two somehow managed to smuggle themselves into the meeting. At a point a lady actually asked them to go back home. They had hidden behind the truck that was parked close by till the situation was daunted and then they were back in the open again. 

I kept noticing them, admiring their tactical mischief, thinking they had fooled every one of their absence. The taller of the two girls, the one whom I noticed first kept on moving along with us inch by inch, observing our every move. After a while I noticed she had vanished into thin air. 

Her life depended on it

The programme ended, we had gathered all the chairs to move to another community close by. Our transporter had disappointed us, while deliberating on the next line of action, boom she appeared.

She asked me if she could get someone to help convey us. I guess the question threw us off balance as we all stared at her in bewilderment. The others had not paid much attention to her earlier as she was but a child. They did not take her seriously but I did. I asked her to go ahead and immediately, she took off with her tiny feet running like her life depended on it.

Alas! She was back with help with a big grin on her face and a sense of accomplishment. I was so impressed. I quickly engaged her in a conversation. I asked about name, her shoes, school and parents. 

Hadiza’s only pair of shoe was damaged. It had cut in several places and there was no way to fix it. She came from another state to Abuja, currently visiting her grandmother who lives in the community. She had no basic primary education at 8 years old, but she kept on telling me that she could speak English and that she was very intelligent. I smiled and asked if she was interested in going to school. A spark of excitement formed in her eyes and she could not stop nodding in affirmation.

The educational system in Nigeria has been on a rapid decline over the years, basic education has been bedeviled, the UNICEF has estimated that over 10 million children are out of school and 6 million of them are girls. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/over-6-million-girls-are-out-of-school-in-nigeria-unicef. Though most states in Nigeria claim to have free basic primary education, many children especially girls are somehow out of school.

I told her I wanted to meet her grandma and she took off like a little pony. Her grandmother came smiling, obviously Hadiza had discussed our earlier conversation. She confirmed Hadiza’s story and also affirmed that Hadiza was a bright child, who wanted to go to school but did not have the means.

A bile surged and sympathy filled my heart. How can an intelligent, smart and brilliant girl look at other children her age going to school and desire to be one yet circumstances have denied her of such an opportunity? Usually children her age who are not privileged would probably ask for arms but not Hadiza, her case was different, she wanted school and was bold enough to let out her feelings.

Shoes on her feet

We concluded that I will talk with her mother as soon as she returned back home, to Kaduna. The incessant attacks on schools fueled by a lengthy span of insecurity had kept many children, especially girls out of school in the state. Though the challenges are still visible many have managed to keep their children in school in the safest possible situation.

But first I needed to put shoes on her feet. I took her mother’s contact from grandma.  I and Hadiza went shoe hunting. It took us about 20 minutes before we could get a perfect fit for her small feet.

Little Amina had tagged along so I had to buy another pair as she too had left her shoes at home. The excitement knew no bounds. Other children had gathered around Hadiza looking at her beautiful purple slippers with a pink rose on it.

I needed to leave but not without Hadiza’s demands that I try not to forget to call her mum. The role of mother’s in their children’s lives cannot be over emphasized. The girl child needs to be encouraged by every parent and the government should also consider policies that will enhance the uplifting of the girl child. If effectively trained and educated a nation will be delivered.

 I gave Hadiza my word that I will put a call across to her mother and told her that I must leave for another community. She thank me with a hug and ran off to show grandma her new shoes.