Finding My Voice: Godwin's Journey of Confidence and Change
From Silence to Strength: Godwin's Story
My name is Godwin, and I am 14 years old. I live in Tasundo Village in the Zabzugu District with my parents and three siblings. Life hasn’t been easy, but my parents are hardworking farmers who grow crops like yams, maize, and groundnuts to provide for us. I help them on the farm on weekends and after school.
Before joining the Kids Club at my school, I felt lost and invisible. I was shy and timid and terrified of speaking in front of others. I struggled to read fluently, and my classmates often made fun of me for it. It hurt deeply. I felt worthless and like I would never be good enough. I avoided talking to people, preferring to keep to myself. I was unsure of how to change, but I was too afraid to try.
My life changed when World Vision introduced the Kids Club at my school. For the first time, I felt seen. The facilitators taught us how to address the issues affecting children in our community, such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child labor, and neglect. These were problems that had always surrounded us, but I had never known how to talk about them or how devastating they were to children's lives.
Being part of the Kids Club gave me a voice I never knew I had. I went from being terrified of public speaking to standing in front of others and sharing my thoughts and ideas without fear. The facilitators and mentors believed in me and showed me how to believe in myself. They taught me how to advocate for children’s rights, stand up for myself and my peers, and make sure our voices were heard. I led a drama performance about the dangers of substance abuse and peer pressure, educating the communities of Tasundo and Mangoase about how these issues were ruining the future of our youth.
The change in me has been nothing short of miraculous. I can now speak confidently in front of others and even lead my friends during our club activities. I no longer shrink away in fear. I can even teach my peers, which is something I never thought I could do. I now dare to chase my dreams, including becoming a lawyer. I know that the skills I’ve learned through the Kids Club will help me reach my goals. My parents are proud of me and excited about my future. They support my participation in the club and listen to my opinions. I feel valued and like I'm part of something that can make a difference.
The Kids Club has had an impact on me and my community. Through the programme, I’ve learned to advocate for the rights of all children. I’ve also seen other children in our community gain the confidence to stand up for themselves. Parents and community leaders are listening to us now, and some have changed their attitudes about child labor, early marriage, and neglect. We are no longer silent. We are the voice of the voiceless, fighting for a better future for every child.
World Vision’s programme has helped establish 11 Kids Clubs in 11 schools, impacting the lives of over 275 children. Through child-led initiatives, such as our campaign against substance abuse in the Zabzugu District, over 500 parents and community leaders have been reached. The Kids Club is more than just a program; it is a lifeline for children like me who once felt hopeless.
Thanks to this initiative, we now know that we have the power to create change, demand our rights, and build a future in which every child can thrive. I am living proof of how much this programme can change lives, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to speak up and make a difference.