“To educate a woman is to heal a nation in today’s world.” These powerful words from Rita Akelo, Headmistress of Ibba Girls’ School in South Sudan, set the tone for our Celebrating Global Sisterhood event. The inspiring gathering brought together voices from across the NLCS family to champion a cause that resonates deeply: expanding educational opportunities for the girls of Ibba Girls’ School.
What unfolded was far more than an evening of performance. It became a collective statement about the power of education, the importance of agency, and the strength found in girls supporting girls on a global scale. Creative work from NLCS Junior and Senior School students, alongside contributions from our schools in Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and Kobe, demonstrated how confidently young women are using the arts to express identity, question assumptions and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Voices from Ibba Girls’ School brought vital perspective. Their poems, together with an address from Headmistress Rita Akelo, offered a vivid reminder of the daily realities and ambitions of girls whose futures are shaped directly by access to education. Their involvement, even from afar, reinforced the significance of this partnership.
A keynote from Dr Boriana Alexandrova of the University of York sharpened the focus further, emphasising the long-term social and economic impact of investing in girls’ education.
What made the evening so compelling was the sense of purpose running through it. The performances carried energy and conviction, and the audience responded with warmth and generosity. Together, they created a space where creativity supported a clear mission one that continues to depend on collective goodwill and action.
The funds raised will support the ongoing work of Ibba Girls’ School, helping ensure its students can learn, lead and contribute with confidence.
A powerful night, an important conversation, and a reminder of what becomes possible when a global sisterhood stands together.
Thank you to everyone who took part and for their generosity.
