In partnership with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project team, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) recently conducted monitoring visits across 100 schools in Kwara State.

These visits were designed to assess the progress and impact of the Safe Space program—intentional, girl-centered environments where adolescent girls receive mentoring, psychosocial support, and life skills that empower them to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

During the visits, our team:

 • Observed live mentoring sessions

 • Engaged directly with the girls to hear their stories and experiences

 • Held interactive sessions with mentors to understand how the program is being implemented at the grassroots level

We also convened feedback meetings with school principals to reflect on the program’s strengths, identify challenges, and determine areas where additional support is needed. These collaborative discussions are critical to building sustainable, responsive interventions that truly meet the needs of the girls we serve.

To encourage and motivate the girls, OCDI distributed:

 • Tote bags

 • Fact sheets

 • Notebooks and pens

These simple tools serve as reminders that they are seen, supported, and capable of shaping their own futures.

“Safe spaces are more than rooms—they are gateways to confidence, courage, and change.”

At OCDI, we believe that when we invest in girls, we invest in stronger communities and a brighter future. These monitoring visits reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every girl has the support she needs to rise.