My Personal Experience

"My name is Fatima, and I’m 16 years old. I come from a farming family in Katsina, where the land used to be our lifeline, our source of food, and our hope for the future. But now, even that has been taken away from us.

Life changed drastically when insecurity swept through our region. Bandits roamed freely, attacking markets and threatening farmers. Our fields, once full of life, became too dangerous to visit. We tried holding on, planting in secret and harvesting in fear, but the risks were too great. My father decided we had no choice but to abandon our farm.

Without our crops, there was no income. Without income, there was no way to keep food on the table or pay for my schooling. I remember the day my parents told me I couldn’t return to school. My heart sank, but I understood. My family needed me, and survival came first.

Since then, I’ve been helping my family make ends meet. I work odd jobs in the village, doing whatever I can to contribute. But it’s not enough, and every day feels like an uphill battle. The constant worry about what tomorrow might bring weighs heavily on all of us.

Even though I’m no longer in school, I haven’t given up on my dreams. I want to become a customs officer, not just because it’s a stable career, but because I believe I can help my community. I want to find sustainable solutions that address the economic struggles we face, solutions that allow families like mine to farm safely and thrive once again.

I dream of a Katsina where markets are bustling, farms are flourishing, and children like me don’t have to choose between education and survival. I want to be part of the change, to stand at the forefront of rebuilding our community.

My journey is challenging, but I hold onto hope. One day, I will wear that uniform with pride, knowing I’ve worked to create a safer, more prosperous future for my family and my community. Until then, I continue to push forward, one step at a time."