The Queen Mother of Bongo Feo, Pognaba Felicia Agamboka Nonyansonga Kaisikoma, is stepping up efforts to promote girls’ education and personal development through a grassroots initiative known as the Virtuous Girls’ Club.
In an interview on A1 Radio, she said the initiative was inspired by her own upbringing, during which she lacked mentorship and guidance from older figures.
“What motivated me to do this was that I didn’t have the opportunity to receive guidance from older people. It was a challenge. There were also issues like teenage pregnancy and early marriage in the district, including in my community,” she said.
Concerned about the rising cases of teenage pregnancy and early marriage, she created the club to guide young girls toward making informed life choices.
The initiative encourages girls to stay in school and avoid early marriage, which often limits future opportunities. Members meet regularly to learn, interact and build supportive relationships in an environment that promotes openness and trust.
“With that, they feel comfortable approaching you when they have issues. You shouldn’t make them afraid of you,” she said.
“I also tell them that if they have any serious challenge and need my assistance, they shouldn’t feel shy to contact me.”]
Beyond mentorship, the Queen Mother said the initiative provides practical support to help girls remain in school. She noted that she has personally intervened to support some girls by engaging their parents and providing learning materials such as books and uniforms.
“There is a need for you to go to school. Even if not tertiary, at least try to complete SHS. That is my goal, that girls in my community should not limit their lives through teenage pregnancy or early marriage, but stay in school and get educated,” she said.
The club also collaborates with health professionals who educate members on personal hygiene, while external stakeholders engage the girls on broader social issues.
She acknowledged that while some parents have embraced the initiative, others remain hesitant. However, she said the overall impact has been positive, with many girls showing improvement in behavior, education and outlook on life.
The Queen Mother credited the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council for inspiring the initiative through training programmes for traditional leaders.
“I want to thank the Regional Coordinating Council. They gave me the zeal and the idea to start something like this. When I was enstooled as a queen mother, I didn’t know what to do. Through their training, we were encouraged to start initiatives in our communities to support girls,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Bongo Feo community for its support and called on individuals and organizations to help expand the initiative to reach more girls.
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