Al-Ghiyath Aid Foundation Debuts With Education Support For 90 Women In Kaduna

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna 

The Al-Ghiyath Aid Foundation, founded by Mariya Aliko Dangote, has begun its humanitarian work with the donation of textbooks and learning materials to 90 women in Kaduna. The intervention, carried out in partnership with Rebound Initiative for Young Women, marks the foundation’s first major project since its registration.

The presentation took place at a Rebound learning centre where beneficiaries aged 15 to 30 gathered to receive writing materials, biro and textbooks. Organisers said the gesture was designed to support women who dropped out of school after marriage and are now seeking a second chance through flexible education.

Ibrahim Mamman Sani, a pioneer member of Al-Ghiyath and staff of Dangote Sugar Refinery, said the donation aligns with the foundation’s commitment to girl-child education and skills development in underserved communities. 

"This is Rebound Initiative. It is part of our education and empowerment pillar," he said. "The founder of Rebound is a friend. He knows my ability, he knows my connection, so he has been pestering me: 'How do we assist?' We said let’s start with this first."

According to Sani, the foundation covered the full cost of the materials after a delay caused by the absence of a corporate account. "Hajia Mariya quickly opened that account, and that transfer was made from there," he explained. He added that the foundation’s website is still under construction, and this donation represents one of its earliest public activities.

Sani outlined four cardinal objectives that will guide Al-Ghiyath’s work going forward. The first is meeting basic needs such as food and shelter during disasters. The second is medical support through partnerships for genuine cases.

The third focuses on education and empowerment, with emphasis on girls’ education and skill acquisition that can make beneficiaries independent. The fourth is community partnership targeting orphans and widows.

He said the motivation behind the intervention is rooted in a culture of giving back. "It’s just to give back to the society, because you never can tell. Most of us got some assistance from nowhere, but it’s because of the good things our parents have also done," Sani said.

He quoted a teaching of the Prophet (SAW) on the reward of knowledge, stressing that entrepreneurs have a responsibility to be remembered for service.

Sustainability, he noted, will be central to the foundation’s approach. "The aim of the foundation is sustainability. We don’t want it to cut off. Continuity is the most important thing," he said. The foundation said it will announce additional programmes across its four focus areas in the coming months.

Rebound Initiative also used the event to launch its new ‘FAP’ model aimed at returning married women to classrooms. Mallam Musa Abdullahi, who chairs the initiative, said the programme targets women who left school early and face social pressure to remain at home. 

"We are fully aware that one of the challenges our society is facing is the social norm that says women should only belong to the kitchen," Abdullahi said. "A lot of them are brilliant, they are bright. If they should be given the opportunity, they will rise to the sky."

The FAP model stands for Flexible, Affordable and Proximity. Classes run for about three hours, two to three times a week. Tuition and learning packs are free, and centres are sited within walking distance so students do not need transport money or to leave children unattended for long hours.

Abdullahi said Al-Ghiyath responded quickly when approached for support. "When we knocked at the door of Al-Ghiyath, they did not waste time, they opened the door," he said. 

"We told them this is what we are doing, and these are what we need. And quickly, they approved, and they responded by providing, and that is what you see us distributing to the learners today."

Beyond literacy classes, Rebound has mapped out three additional stages for beneficiaries. From January, students will begin three months of basic computer training. This will be followed by skill acquisition in trades such as knitting, weaving and pomade making, with tools provided to graduates to start small businesses.

The final stage is mentorship into higher education, with partnerships already established with institutions including Kaduna State University satellite centres for diploma and NCE programmes.

Beneficiaries described the donation as timely. Maimuna Rabiu, one of the students, said the books will help her revise at home. "Today we were given free books. We are grateful. May God reward them with goodness and bring even greater things," she said.

"Yes, I have made great progress with it. Praise be to God, I am very grateful. It will help me expand my knowledge. Also, I won't forget the things taught at school because I can take them out and read them at home."

The school community expressed appreciation to Al-Ghiyath and Rebound Initiative and called for more support to ensure every student has learning materials. As the foundation begins work, officials say the goal is not just to provide immediate relief, but to build pathways that allow women to continue their education independently and contribute meaningfully to their communities.