By Femi Bolaji

A lifeline has been extended to out-of-school girls in Taraba State with the launch of a tuition-free institution by the MarBen Foundation.

The state-of-the-art academy aims to reintegrate girls who have dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy, early marriage, displacement, or restrictive cultural and religious practices.

The founder of the MarBen Foundation, Elisha Dorcas explained that the academy would offer a second chance to these girls by incorporating vocational training and life skills into their regular academic curriculum.

She said, “this tuition-free academy is built on the belief that every girl deserves a second chance to learn, grow, and dream.

“Our mission is to create a safe and supportive learning environment where girls can continue their education with the ultimate aim of reintegrating into mainstream schools at an age-appropriate class level.

“By offering a place for these girls to learn and regain confidence, we are not only shaping brighter futures for them but also uplifting our entire community. Our goal is to provide educational continuity and bridge the gap that keeps so many girls from realizing their full potential.”

The representative from the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Amanda Yusuf, expressed the state’s willingness to partner with the foundation to enroll vulnerable and out-of-school girls into the program.