From Roadside Hawker to Scholar: The schoolgirl rewriting her future

Maryam Dauda's life took a dramatic turn several years ago when she transitioned from selling food by the roadside to studying at Federal Government College, Kaduna, one of the top secondary schools in the state. Once confined to survival mode, Maryam now stands on the path to becoming a medical doctor, having earned a scholarship to pursue her academic ambitions. Her journey from street vendor to scholar marks a personal triumph and highlights the transformative power of education in underserved communities. Maryam’s transformation began when she joined the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School, an educational program developed through a partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker, and UNICEF. This initiative has operated for nearly two decades, offering vulnerable children access to quality education and helping break cycles of poverty and exclusion. The school has served as a critical stepping stone for countless students, including Maryam, who demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic promise from the start. Upon enrollment, teachers noted Maryam’s eagerness to engage, her commitment to excellence, and her determination to maximize every opportunity. These qualities led to rapid academic progress, culminating in her selection as one of the school’s standout students. As a result, she secured admission to Federal Government College, Kaduna, marking a pivotal moment in her life. Her achievement underscores how access to proper education can open new horizons for children facing severe socioeconomic challenges. The school’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. Over the years, the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School has supported hundreds of children, enabling them to attend quality secondary education. The initiative has also addressed systemic barriers that often prevent disadvantaged families from maintaining their children’s schooling. The results are evident in the increasing number of students who graduate from the school and go on to prestigious secondary institutions, setting the stage for promising careers. In addition to academic achievements, Maryam’s journey has sparked positive change within her family. Her accomplishments have motivated her siblings to prioritize their education, while her father has taken steps to improve his own literacy and communication skills. This shift illustrates how one child’s success can inspire broader changes in household dynamics and community attitudes toward education. The Access Bank Fifth Chukker School continues to serve as a beacon of hope for children in underserved areas. Between 2018 and 2026, the school graduated 2,538 students, with more than 1,000 receiving ongoing foundational learning support each year. The program has made significant strides in improving educational access, particularly for girls, who often encounter additional obstacles in pursuing formal schooling. Maryam’s participation in the Access Bank UK Polo Day in Windsor, United Kingdom, further exemplifies the global reach of the initiative. Held annually, the event provides international exposure for students, allowing them to experience opportunities previously unimaginable. Such experiences contribute to the school’s mission of expanding educational horizons and fostering ambition among its students. The partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker, and UNICEF has also achieved measurable outcomes. To date, the initiative has raised over US$3 million and constructed 120 classroom blocks in Kaduna State, significantly enhancing infrastructure and accessibility. More than 14,000 children across underserved communities have benefited from these programs, showcasing the potential of sustained collaboration in driving meaningful change. As Maryam moves forward with her studies, her story remains a testament to the power of education to transform lives. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in underprivileged youth and creating pathways for them to realize their potential. Her journey is not just hers, it belongs to her family, her community, and all those who believe in the possibility of a better future.