Teenage pregnancy remains a leading cause of school dropout among adolescent girls in Nigeria, threatening their dreams and educational futures. Stepping up to address this challenge is Christie Onogwu, a dedicated volunteer and long-time partner of Beyond the Classroom Foundation.
Christie has volunteered with the Foundation for over eight years, lending her expertise, time, and heart to initiatives aimed at empowering adolescent girls. She has worked on numerous projects focused on leadership, self-expression, and education, and the Books Over Boys Campaign is one of many impactful programs she has led. Her passion lies in helping young people find their voice, make informed decisions, and pursue their potential without compromise.
On Tuesday, 18th November 2025, Christie took the campaign to Government Day Secondary School, Otukpo, Benue State, engaging 55 teenage girls in a powerful reading and discussion session. Through the campaign, girls were educated on the importance of staying in school, avoiding distractions that can lead to early pregnancy, and making choices that protect their futures.
The session, supported by the school’s Dean of Studies, Mr. Enokela Sunday, was interactive, relatable, and deeply impactful. Christie created a safe space where the girls could openly ask questions, reflect on their goals, and gain tools to make better life choices.
This outreach is part of a larger preventive approach by Beyond the Classroom Foundation, which started the Books Over Boys Campaign in the FCT in May 2025 and has since reached over 10,000 girls across five states. Unlike reactive programs that support girls after pregnancy, this initiative focuses on prevention, equipping adolescent girls with knowledge and awareness before they face high-risk situations.
Through her volunteer work, Christie continues to champion leadership, mentorship, and adolescent girls’ empowerment. Beyond the Classroom Foundation celebrates her unwavering dedication and calls her a true changemaker, someone who actively transforms the lives of girls and inspires communities to value education and empowerment.
Her work in Benue is just one of many steps in a lifetime commitment to ensuring that every girl can stay in school, dream big, and achieve her full potential.
