"I am one of the millions of people around the world who keep you and your families foremost in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot imagine the full extent of the horrors you have endured. But please know this: We will never forget you. We will always stand with you. Today and every day, we call on the Nigerian authorities and the international community to do more to bring you home. We will not rest until you have been reunited with your families."
— Malala Yousafzai, Open Letter to Kidnapped Nigerian school girls- April 15, 2015
#BringBackOurGirls
Kidnapped girls in a video released by Boko Haram on May 12, 2014.
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On April 15, 2014, 276 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Activists from around the world criticized the Nigerian government's response to the kidnapping, even claiming the government was aware the attacks would happen but took no preventative actions. The Nigerian government has been further criticized for not taking adequate measures to find all of the girls. As a response in early May 2014, the hash tag #BringBackOurGirls started to trend throughout the world on social media. It has been over three years since the schoolgirls have been missing and there is no clear sign of return from all of the missing girls. By early 2017, 82 of the captured girls had been released from captivity. However, there are still around 194 girls missing.
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Step 1: Hook
Boko Haram militants
To begin, ask you students what they know about #BringBackOurGirls and write their answers on the board. You may also ask what they know about Boko Haram and Nigeria. Did they see people use the hash-tag? Did they use it themselves? Why do you think the girls have not been found?
Following the discussion, watch these videos to further explain the situation: US Sends Aid to Help the Hunt for Nigeria's School Girls (3:51) by the New York Times, Bring Back Our Girls One Year Anniversary Coverage (8:02), and Nigeria marks two years since the kidnapping of the Chibok girls (2:46) . After watching the videos have the students discuss or journal on several questions; What is Boko Haram? Why did Boko Haram kidnap these girls? Why did #BringBackOurGirls spread throughout the world? What is the goal of #BringBackOurGirls? Do you think this goal is attainable? What is the responsibility of the international community to address this issue?
Following the discussion, watch these videos to further explain the situation: US Sends Aid to Help the Hunt for Nigeria's School Girls (3:51) by the New York Times, Bring Back Our Girls One Year Anniversary Coverage (8:02), and Nigeria marks two years since the kidnapping of the Chibok girls (2:46) . After watching the videos have the students discuss or journal on several questions; What is Boko Haram? Why did Boko Haram kidnap these girls? Why did #BringBackOurGirls spread throughout the world? What is the goal of #BringBackOurGirls? Do you think this goal is attainable? What is the responsibility of the international community to address this issue?
Step 2: Videos and Other Teacher Resources
To provide background information about the underlying governance issues in Nigeria, look at reports by the Freedom House or Transparency International. Freedom House also created a "Freedom in the World Score" and a "Freedom of Press Score" that can highlight the national context of the kidnappings. Vox also wrote an article entitled "9 Questions About Nigeria You Were Too Afraid to Ask" which provides more background information about the political and economic situations in Nigeria. The Economist also published an article "Africa's new Number One" about Nigeria's suddenly supersized economy, shortly before the Chibok kidnapping.
Vox created a set of cards that address "Everything You Need to Know About Nigeria's Kidnapped Girls." These cards cover topics including: How could Islamists kidnap hundreds of girls and get away with it? What did Boko Haram do with the captures girls? What did the Nigerian government do to rescue the girls? What did the US do to help find the girls? Why were Nigerian activists angry at the country's First Lady over the kidnapping? and What was #BringBackOurGirls?
The world reacted with shock upon hearing the news of 300 schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria by terrorists seeking to punish them for daring to strive for an education. Malala speaks (1:46) about the tragedy that has befallen her "Nigerian sisters." Listen to the story (1:59) of one of the girls who managed to escape the terrorists. Watch Michelle Obama's address to the nation (5:24) in support of the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls and their determination to receive an education. In the same video, hear the First Lady's praise for Malala's leadership in the cause for worldwide girls' education.
Vox created a set of cards that address "Everything You Need to Know About Nigeria's Kidnapped Girls." These cards cover topics including: How could Islamists kidnap hundreds of girls and get away with it? What did Boko Haram do with the captures girls? What did the Nigerian government do to rescue the girls? What did the US do to help find the girls? Why were Nigerian activists angry at the country's First Lady over the kidnapping? and What was #BringBackOurGirls?
The world reacted with shock upon hearing the news of 300 schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria by terrorists seeking to punish them for daring to strive for an education. Malala speaks (1:46) about the tragedy that has befallen her "Nigerian sisters." Listen to the story (1:59) of one of the girls who managed to escape the terrorists. Watch Michelle Obama's address to the nation (5:24) in support of the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls and their determination to receive an education. In the same video, hear the First Lady's praise for Malala's leadership in the cause for worldwide girls' education.
Step 3: Standards-Based Exercises
Print out copies or display maps 1-4 and 11 from this set created by Vox. This maps show wealth concentrations in Nigeria, rates for one year old children who have received vaccinations, areas of Nigeria that have Sharia law, rates of literacy among girls in Nigeria, and where Boko Haram's activities are concentrated. Ask the students to write about the connections they see among the maps. Which areas in Nigeria are the richest and the poorest? Which areas have more access to health? Where do girls have the highest literacy rates? Are there any correlations between these factors? Why do you think Boko Haram's activities are concentrated in certain areas more than others?
Have your students examine a timeline of the events surrounding the kidnapping. CBS developed an interactive timeline that can be viewed here, or you can access a printable timeline made by BBC here. In a classroom discussion, ask your students if they believe the Nigerian government provided an adequate response to the situation and why? How did the United States respond and was that an adequate response? Have your students draft letters to the Nigerian government and their politicians expressing their opinions.
Have your students examine a timeline of the events surrounding the kidnapping. CBS developed an interactive timeline that can be viewed here, or you can access a printable timeline made by BBC here. In a classroom discussion, ask your students if they believe the Nigerian government provided an adequate response to the situation and why? How did the United States respond and was that an adequate response? Have your students draft letters to the Nigerian government and their politicians expressing their opinions.
Step 4: What Can Students Do?
Encourage students to use social media to learn more about the kidnapped schoolgirls and to spread knowledge about the situation to their friends and family. They can also use social media to learn about wider issues of girls' education and human trafficking. Students may contact their senators and representatives about Nigeria, our longtime ally, and ask them to keep the kidnapped schoolgirls on our diplomatic agenda.
Students may also organize an awareness or fundraising day at school. Act4Accountability has a toolkit that can help your students become activists.
Students may also organize an awareness or fundraising day at school. Act4Accountability has a toolkit that can help your students become activists.
Additional Materials
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AFT Resources
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