Once upon a time in the quiet community of Rugan Kasuwa, nestled within the Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa state Nigeria lived 18-year-old Zuwaira Abdullahi. A young bride married to Mr. Isa, a diligent farmer, Zuwaira found herself facing unexpected challenges mere months into her marriage.
The source of her distress wasn’t external but rooted within the confines of her own home – the shared compound with her mother-in-law. The early days of Zuwaira’s marriage were marked by constant conflicts and a turbulent cycle of misunderstandings that persisted for over three years. What was meant to be a blissful union turned into a daily struggle, leaving Zuwaira disillusioned about the happily ever after she had dreamed of all her life. Her appearance and relationships within the household suffered as she grappled with the feeling of being profoundly misunderstood.
Enter A360 Life Family and Health (LFH) sessions for Adolescents and Youth, a beacon of hope that would change Zuwaira’s life. Introduced to LFH through a mentor, she embarked on a journey beyond traditional topics such as sexual reproductive health education, nutrition, child spacing, and savings. What stood out for Zuwaira was the emphasis on effective communication. As Zuwaira absorbed the lessons, she felt a mixture of anxiety and fear about putting her newfound knowledge into practice. The mentor noticed her contemplative demeanor after one session and took the initiative to inquire about her thoughts. Zuwaira opened up about her struggles, pouring out the challenges she faced in her relationship with her husband and mother-in-law.
With wisdom and compassion, the mentor counselled and encouraged Zuwaira to apply the principles of effective communication to mend the strained relationships within her home. Armed with newfound confidence, Zuwaira took the first steps toward rebuilding the bridges damaged over the years. This is what I signed up for when I wanted to get married ; Zuwaira exclaimed, realizing the transformative power of effective communication. Months after graduating from the LFH program, Zuwaira returned to her mentor with a heart full of gratitude. She shared how the principles she had learned had become the catalyst for peace and love in her home. Zuwaira’s household had transformed into a happy place, a testament to the profound impact of effective communication on familial bonds.
Indeed, Zuwaira’s success story from the A360 Project is a shining example of how targeted interventions such as LFH sessions can empower individuals to navigate the complexities of relationships, fostering harmony and happiness in their homes.
By Dionne Oguna, Senior Specialist Project Communications, A360
