The Strengthening Systems and Communities to End Child Marriage (SSCE) project works to prevent child marriage by strengthening community action, supporting girls’ education, and equipping young people to advocate for girls’ rights and protection. Implemented by YouthHubAfrica in collaboration with Education as a Vaccine (EVA), CSACEFA, and OneLife Initiative, with support from the Malala Fund, the project is being implemented across Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kano, and Borno States.

As part of the project, YouthHubAfrica conducted a Girl Champions Training in Kaduna State, bringing together adolescent girls to build their knowledge, confidence, and practical advocacy skills. The training explored the causes and consequences of child marriage and highlighted the strong connection between keeping girls in school and preventing early marriage.

The training also equipped participants with skills in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community mobilisation. In practical sessions, the Girl Champions mapped key stakeholders, identified barriers they may face in their communities, and developed six-month advocacy work plans to guide their efforts to raise awareness and influence change.

By equipping girls with the knowledge and tools to become advocates in their own communities, the training is helping to ensure that girls are not only protected from child marriage but are also empowered to shape conversations and solutions affecting their futures.