U.S. Embassy Celebrates Women History Month with Book Donation (March 15, 2012)

Abuja | March 15, 2012

Suzanne Miller, U.S. Embassy Information Resource Officer (2nd right), presenting books to Hajiya Binta Nasir, Principal GGSS Dutse, Abuja. Embassy photo by Idika Onyukwu

"No gates are locked and studying in the United States is possible even if your parents can’t afford the money. All you need is courage and confidence."  That was the message delivered by a group of U.S. Embassy officials to more than 200 girls of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Dutse on March 15 during a book donation program to mark this year’s Women’s History Month in Nigeria.

The books donated to GGSS Dutse, comprised of a wide variety of materials including novels, books on science, materials for standardized tests and books that would encourage students and their teachers to study literature and the biographies of strong women.

In presenting the books to Hajiya Binta Nasir, Principal GGSS Dutse, the U.S. Embassy Information Resource Officer Suzanne Miller said the Embassy has a history of working with schools and this gesture is one of such partnerships.

Earlier, Suzanne briefly explained the idea of Women’s History month. She emphasized the importance of setting goals, studying hard, reading broadly, and staying focused in order to achieve success and make an impact on the future.

The U.S. Embassy team included Jennifer Onyukwu, Head of EducationUSA, Nancy Keteku, Regional EducationUSA Coordinator for West and Central Africa and Shade Adebayo, EducationUSA Advisor.

In their separate remarks, Keteku, Adebayo and Onyukwu listed certain performances that would make for success in gaining admission to study in the U.S. with full funding.  All listed commitment to academic work, strong leadership skills, extracurricular activities  and writing skills.