Raquel Daniel Wins USGEAA Women Achievers Award

Raquel Daniel Wins USGEAA Women Achievers Award

In commemoration of the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD), the United States Government Exchanges Alumni Association (USGEAA) launched the Women Achievers’ Award, as Nigeria’s Raquel Daniel clinched the title.

Daniel, a Carrington Youth Fellowship Alumni (CYFAN) member was recognised alongside three other remarkable alumni who have over the years contributed to the development of their communities; Anu Adelakun, Francisca Chiedu, and Rhoda Robinson.

Through her nonprofit, Beyond the Classroom Foundation (BTCF), Raquel works in marginalised communities in Nigeria focusing on education for children and sexual and reproductive health for adolescent girls.

In September 2019, BTCF enrolled 106 internally displaced children back to school in Abuja and renovated a Primary school in Lagos in last February.

In response to the pandemic, BTCF supported over 300 families with food supplies during the COVID-19 lockdown and over 2,000 girls with free sanitary pads as part of the Pads in a Pandemic Project last year.

Raquel wrote “There Is a New Virus in Town” a Covid-19 awareness book that has been distributed to over 5,000 children in Nigeria and also translated in the Hausa language.

She is the author of “Flow; a girls guide to menstruation”, and “Squeaky Clean; personal hygiene tips every girl needs to know”.

Launched on March 18 this year, the programme aims to highlight and champion the laudable projects executed by leading USGEAA female icons.

Over the years, the US government has supported the personal career development of numerous Nigerians, including women who are leading high-impact work and careers across the country.

This year’s International Women’s Day provides a veritable opportunity to celebrate such distinguished ladies and their impressive strides in the society.

The president of the USGEAA, Dr. Jude Ememe, noted that these distinguished women represent the ideals and vision of USGEAA for social transformation.

Cumulatively, he continued, their selfless endeavours have indeed bolstered the delivery of essential services and development projects, across the country, particularly in underserved communities.

In his remark, the 13 awardees were carefully selected alumni associations of the Carrington Youth Fellowship, Mandela Washington Fellowship, Fulbright Fellowship, International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and Study of the US Institutes (Susi).

Others nominated for the award include: Hussaina Aminu Aboki, Andrew-Essien Ndifreke, Onyeador Doris-Jema Akuchinyere, Dange Hasfat Sahabi, Dr. Maymunar Kadri, Comfort Agboka, Dr. Taofikat Abosede Adesalu, Prof. Chioma Kanu Agomo and
Professor Yinka Abosede.

Olusola Owonikoko, the President of CYFAN noted that the recognition of a few of the power women of the association is a testament to the huge resources, influence and impact that the fast rising people of CYFAN are having on their communities by promoting the ideals of good governance, civil liberties, economic empowerment, inclusive education and accessible healthcare.

Raquel Daniel, thanked the leadership of the USGEAA for the award noting that a public recognition and commendation of their work will spur others to also become more actively involved in spear-heading impactful ventures and transformational enterprises.

“A lot of women are contributing significantly towards the development of several communities across the country and the sustainable development goals, it is good to see them recognised for their efforts to nation building” she added.

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