On the 14^th of April last year the entire world was left open-mouthed after 200 school-girls in Chibok, Nigeria were kidnapped by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram.

The name “Boko Haram” literally means “Western or non-islamic education is a sin.” Evidently, the group did not approve of the girls receiving an education, and therefore they decided that it would prove their point to the world by kidnapping the innocent girls. Their actions were completely inhumane, and I think that the fact that these girls are only a few years older than me when they were taken is horrifying.

On that dreadful night, it was reported that 276 girls were taken and that 53 of them escaped. However, other reports say that 329 girls were taken and 53 escaped. Whichever report is legit, the numbers are still extremely high.

The attack in April was not Boko Haram’s first attempt to impose Islamic law as the only law in all of Nigeria. Since 2010, as a result of Boko Haram’s activities it is estimated that 10,000 students have been forced out of school. Last year alone, Boko Haram is accused of causing 4,000 deaths.

This morning, I was ecstatic to see that on the front page of the Globe and Mail it said in bold, black print “Nigerian girls pursue dream of education after escaping Boko Haram.” The traumatic incident of being nearly kidnapped at their school would usually be enough for most people to never want to see a school again, but not for these girls. They are currently pursuing their dreams of becoming whatever they want, be it an engineer, musician, or doctor. The girls would definitely be in great danger if they were to go to any ordinary school, but the girls are going to be attending a school in Yola, Nigeria after the American University of Nigeria allowed the girls to enter a program for entrance exams.

Despite having witnessed 200 of their fellow classmates and friends being kidnapped, the girls who escaped are notably cheerful and optimistic about their future.

Given the horrors that these girls have experienced, I am so happy that these girls are being given a chance to make their dreams a reality.

Thanks for joining me on my journey to change the world!

-Diviya

SOURCE: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/girls-who-escaped-boko-haram-return-to-school/article22741261/