"She Asked If They Still Exist"

I had a heartfelt moment during the WIMBIZ Big Sister Program in Akwa Ibom. After an inspiring session where we encouraged the girls to dream beyond their environment, a quiet young girl walked towards me and asked softly,

“Hello Big Sister, I would like to be a pilot. Do we have any female pilot currently?”

I smiled warmly and said a big YES.

Then came the question that made me sit down beside her:

“Are they still alive—I mean, the female pilots?” 

My heart clenched. In that instant, I realized how limited her exposure had been, how distant her dream seemed to her. I quickly pulled out my phone, opened Google, and showed her pictures of female pilots. I will never forget the way her eyes lit up with wonder and hope. It was as if a whole new world had just opened up to her.

That golden moment reminded me why giving back matters so much. Mentorship, knowledge sharing, or even just showing someone that their dream is possible can plant seeds that grow into greatness.

For the past nine years, I have organized a free annual summer camp hosting at least 100 children from low-cost schools. It is neither easy nor convenient; time, energy, and money are always stretched, but every time I see these children grow into confident, ambitious young adults, I am reminded that every act of giving is worth it.

Like me, I know so many of us have our personal initiative of giving back, but I have come to deeply appreciate the diversity of giving. There is so much power in collaboration. No single effort can meet every need, but when we choose to support one another; whether it’s mentoring, funding, volunteering, or simply amplifying another initiative’s impact, we multiply the reach and depth of transformation.

Supporting other initiatives doesn’t diminish our own work; it strengthens the ecosystem of care and impact we’re all trying to build. Because in the end, the goal is the same; changing lives and opening doors of opportunity for those who need it most.

As Winston Churchill wisely said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

This is why the WIMBIZ Big Sister Program holds a special place in my heart. It creates those life-transforming moments for young girls. Moments where their confidence is built, their dreams are validated, and their futures are reshaped. But we can only do this with collective effort.

I invite you to join forces. Whether it’s your time, your voice, or your resources, your contribution matters. Consider donating towards the WIMBIZ Big Sister Program. Every gift; big or small, goes directly into shaping brighter futures for girls who simply need to know that their dreams are valid and possible.

Be the reason someone believes in their dreams.