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Amina the Change Agent.

  Story by Pastor Mrs Nkechi  Abraham.

   Written by Ama Robinson.

Scene 1

     EXT. STREAM - DAY

Camera opens on girls fetching water at the stream with Scanty clothing; some girls are
running with their friends to the stream with their pots and buckets in their hands.

Scene 2

  INT- ZENDE'S ROOM - DAY

ZENDE'S mother goes to her room, yelling ZENDE'S name and ordering her out. 

     ZENDE'S MUM

       (angry, she talks to Aisha who is sweeping)

  Eh Madam Sweeper(say it in hausa),

Where's Zende? Go and tell her to hurry up and go to the stream. 

AISHA

Mama, She has already left for the stream this morning.

ZENDE'S MUM

Better for her (hausa)

CUT TO:

Scene 3

 EXT- ON THE ROAD - DAY

 ZENDE is carrying a bucket of water on her head, she meets with DANJUMA and
GADE going to school.

DANJUMA

Zende, how are you?

       GADE

Why are not coming to school today? I haven’t been seeing you in school. Is everything
Ok?

         ZENDE

(shrugs, sighs and shuffles her feet on the ground)

DANJUMA (CONT'D)

What does she need school for very soon she will be married off to that man that’s
almost her Baba’s age. Have you not heard?

2.

ZENDE

( made faces at him and mimicked his speech with disgust) What does she need school
for very soon she will be married off to that man that’s almost her Baba’s age. Have you
not heard?

And you Have you not heard that I am not marrying anyone. Don’t believe him Gade.
She interrupted the second boy who was still talking. 

DANJUMA

Was it not rumored last week that BABA MUSTACHE abi MUSTAPHA came to pay her
dowry, and ask for her hand in marriage.
 

ZENDE

(angrily stuttered) even when the man is older than your father. Walahi, never. I would
do no such thing. (she swore)

GADE

(came close to her and touched her hand gently)

Don't worry everything will be alright, soon this tradition will be stopped. Calming her
down.  Zende you are a smart girl and you will finish your education, Insha Allah.

ZENDE -

Thanks GADE, sometimes I wish you could give DANJUMA half of your brain. (in
hausa)

DANJUMA

Huh?

GADE

Laughed and swore and cursed at the same time. These old men sef by the time they
continue like this we won’t see any pretty girl to marry.

(He eyed Zende thoughtfully.)

DANJUMA

Bye ZENDE ( they left) And you? ( Looks at GADE who was blushing all over)

3.

GADE

I'm sure she will try to resist such a dumb idea. She's fearless.
DANJUMA

Kai.( Looks at GADE and shakes his head out of pity)

GADE

Scratches his head thinking and pondering on a possibility at the same time.

DANJUMA

Actually, that the elders of the community have agreed that all girls after primary school
should go to their husbands house is enough verdict.

GADE.

(Slaps him on the shoulder) Why would you even be saying that sort of rubbish?

DANJUMA

That’s how it's been, it's culture and tradition.

ZENDE

(Stands at a spot for a while thinking to herself about the boys conversation, she later
carries on walking home)

ZENDE'S MUM

Kai, which type of child is this? (She's unhappy and pointing towards ZENDE that was
walking towards her)

ZENDE

Good morning Mama (She drops the bucket but immediately she drops it her mum
rushes towards her and starts beating and cursing her.) Ah ah Mama, what did I do?
What did I (Dodges her mum's beatings) do? (Hausa)

ZENDE'S MUM. Lazy bone, ordinary fetching water, you want to sleep there. How many
minutes will it take you ehn. Hausa
4.

ZENDE

Mama na, ah what did I do.

ZENDE'S MUM

You are so lazy. You are soon going to your husband’s house yet you cannot do the
simplest chore. I am ashamed of you. I hope they pay complete dowry for such a lazy
bone. (Turns to slap her)

ZENDE (CONT'D)

She’s dodging her mom’s slaps and muttering under her breath, if that’s what you call
marriage I don’t want. If this your life is what you call life I don’t want it. I cannot be
subjected to do what will make me poor for the rest of my life. People have clean water,
medical care and electricity yet you want me to stop school end up with the life you are
not happy about.

ZENDE MUM

What did you just say?

ZENDE

Mama it's true, look around, see how we are suffering. I must go to school o, I don't care
about anything else. (Takes the bucket and walks out)

ZENDE MUM

(Stops in her tracks as the words her daughter was speaking, cut her to the bone. The
truth dawns on her.)

Yes what life did I have? What hope and future do I have? Truly I can’t give anything
good for you, if you stay with me we will suffer, if you go to him. It's better. (she talks to
herself like she was trying to console herself and justify her actions.)

FADE OUT:
Scene 4

EXT. IN FRONT OF ZENDE'S HOUSE- DAY.

 ZENDE and her little Sister and brothers are coming back from school.

5.

ZENDE

(Comes in with her siblings, they all greet their father, who in turn replies) Barka da
yamma baba (Good Afternoon baba in hausa)

BABA ZENDE

(Replies with a nod and a big smile) Ehen My daughter come come

ZENDE

Wonders why the excitement)

BABA ZENDE

(Signals to his daughter to come) When are you finishing that your exam again?

ZENDE

(Goes to him) Baba, it's tomorrow.

BABA ZENDE

(Smiles) BABA MUSTAPHA just left now we've finalized everything.

ZENDE

(Smiles) Oh ok Baba.

BABA ZENDE

(Looks at his daughter with curiosity) You are not sad.

ZENDE
No baba, it's what you want for me to get married. I will do that.

BABA ZENDE

Insha Allah, kai, Na gode, Na gode. (Smiles)

ZENDE

(Goes in to the house)

CUT TO:

Scene 5

INT- ZENDE'S ROOM - DAY

ZENDE is reading her books, Aisha opens the door. 

AISHA

ZENDE, Mama said we should go to MAMA ZAINAB to buy things that when she comes
back, she will give her money. (mention the items)

6.

ZENDE

(rehearses the items ) You see this is what I mean, when I say I don't want to marry
anyone 

But see the quality of life in Baba Gana’s family where the girls are allowed to finish
school, Look at how they are.

AISHA

You've accepted already.

ZENDE

Don't worry I'll be ok, let me go and buy them. You go and wash the pots and plates,
we'll use to cook.

AISHA

Okay Speak Hausa, leaves)

ZENDE

(Sits on the bed, heads in her hands, she's thinking of how she'll escape the situation)

Oh what do I do, how will I get married to that old man, chai. Should I run away or
should I go and beg BABA MUSTAPHA to wait till I finish school. (She sighs)

Hmmm (she stands up and leaves)

Scene 6

EXT. BABA MUSTAPHA HOUSE- NIGHT.

ZENDE (CONT'D)

(knocks, knocks)

BABA MUSTAPHA

Yes, who is there?

ZENDE

It's me, your bride.

AFRICAN CHIEF

Are you expecting a visitor at this time of the day?

BABA MUSTAPHA

No (goes to open the door) ZENDE!! What are you doing here at this time of the day,
come in.

7.

Scene 7

INT. BABA MUSTAPHA HOUSE. NIGHT

ZENDE

Goes in) came to beg you, please please. Allow me to finish my studies before I marry
you. (hausa)

BABA MUSTAPHA (CONT'D)

Girls are not allowed to go to school, what is the essence, you go to school, you still end
up in the kitchen.

ZENDE

(Kneels cues and beg)

AFRICAN CHIEF

Kai, no no no my friend, it's not so Girls too need to be educated.

BABA MUSTAPHA

You also believe that nonsense.

AFRICAN CHIEF
You are aware of how I stopped slavery in my town, I believe in anything that sets a
person free and gives a person a better life. By the way the education of the girlchild /
woman is the education of a nation/ community.

But education of the boy/man is the education of one man alone.

BABA MUSTAPHA

HMMMM (reasons with his friend)

AFRICAN CHIEF

let me take her to South Africa tomorrow, let her finish her studies, later she'll return.

ZENDE

(Looks at The African chief, suspiciously)

BABA MUSTAPHA

He's my friend don't worry, you're very safe with him but, no you aren't going anywhere.

AFRICAN CHIEF

Why are so stubborn my friend? 

(MORE)

8.

AFRICAN CHIEF (CONT'D)

This is child abuse, you want to marry this small girl, wait till she's grown up at least, let
her go school first, by the time she returns. She'll be prettier that this and grown up and
educated. Please.

BABA MUSTAPHA

ok, but you are leaving tomorrow morning right?

ZENDE

Tomorrow? (Surprised)

AFRICAN CHIEF

What is your name my dear?

CUT TO:

Scene 8

EXT. IN FRONT OF ZENDE'S HOUSE- DAY.

ZENDE'S MUM

ZENDE O, ZENDE, have you seen this girl, she'll allow her brothers to go late to school
again. Have you seen ZENDE?

BABA ZENDE

Woman, I'm sure she is fetching water at the stream.

AISHA

(Comes running towards the house) Mummy she's not at the stream oh, Mummy
ZENDE is not there.

BABA ZENDE
What do you mean she's not there?

AISHA

(Sobs) I checked everywhere even DANJUMA and GADE's house.

ZENDE'S MUM

(Exclaims, puts hand on her head and screams about) ZENDE O

    ✈️AFTER 2 YEARS✈️

Scene 9

EXT. GADE'S HOUSE. DAY 

GADE is trying to convince his dad to allow him send his little sister; LAILA to school.

9.

GADE

Ah ah, Dada please LAILA must go to school, what are you doing to us, when we grow
up now we will be faced with taking care of the whole family. If the girls are educated,
the burden will be less on us.

GADE'S DADA

You are a man, so you bear it.( Sits on a chair and chewing wooden stick)

GADE

(Furious, clenches his fist)

DANJUMA
(Comes in, prostrates and greets GADE'S  FATHER)

GADE'S DADA

Ehen, Welcome my son.

DANJUMA

(Grabs his friend hand as they go out)

GADE'S DADA

You better take him out and talk some sense into his coconut head( he said as the two
boys left to go to the road)

DANJUMA

What is it? I thought we were done with this JUSTICE FOR ZENDE, it's been 2 years
now and she's not back.

GADE

I was not talking about it, I was talking about him taking LAILA to school.

DANJUMA

You still don't understand the tradition ?

GADE

Yeye tradition this is 21st century broda. Some of this stupid selfish tradition must die
with these Babas. All of us are going to stand up against that wicked tradition.

DANJUMA (CONT'D)

10.

Who will listen to you? Your Dada??

Did he not marry a fifth girl two years ago?

GADE

Do you know all the problems that resulted from that foolish act? 

Child mortality, poor maternal care, children making babies. They can’t even take care
of themselves not to talk of the new born.

Research shows facts that;

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF); Vesico-vaginal fistula is a serious disability that can be

experienced by women after childbirth. It is defined as a hole that develops between the vagina
and the bladder, resulting in uncontrollable leaking of urine through the vagina. The most
common cause of vesico-vaginal fistula is obstructed labor, early marriage, poverty, and
women's limited control over the use of family resources. Women and girls with this disability
are often abandoned by their husbands and isolated from the community due to the smell and
associated shame of urine leakage. However, this type of disability can be avoided by changing
the attitudes of the community to women. Better nutrition, delaying first pregnancy, using a
partograph during labor, and the availability of emergency obstetric care can also reduce the
likelihood of having the disability. But for those who already have this condition, understanding
and support of husbands and the community is needed in order for them to be restored to
good health.

So the young mother is disfigured for life. She becomes ill and can’t’ take care of her
new born. So many other postnatal complications.

GADE (CONT'D)

I know, it's my family, don't remind me. The thing is he's sick and if he dies, he'll create
a problem for me and others to take care of his extended family. It gives me serious
concern. We must do something to stop this wicked practice and barbaric culture.

Did you also know that this sort of breeding children without a plan to adequately cater
for them is what is feeding the insurgency camp? Boko Haram and all the similar
terrorist groups that exist around the world get their recruits from families with high level
of poverty and illiteracy. The get the children at a very young age brainwash them that
the society does not care about and hand them arms to kill and maim people.

Once a child is taught or indoctrinated in this wickedness before age of five He grows
up a monster. There is not much anyone can do to change that orientation.

These young girls if they are allowed to go to school will at least develop a skill set that
will enable then fend for their children even when the men fail. But because they are
married off after primary school they have not skill set, experience or minimum
qualification whatsoever to be economically useful to themselves, their families and
society.

This also affects our GDP – Gross Domestic profit of a country total market value of the
goods and services produced by a country's economy during a specified period of time.

They don’t have any contribution towards the development in their communities. They
become liabilities for life.

DANJUMA

Hmmm

That’s why you see a lot of street children and begging in our cities.

GADE

You can say that again. Any way jare!!! (Say it in hausa)

Are you done with that assignment why did you come?

DANJUMA

I have news.

GADE

What's the news? Mr. Journalist.

DANJUMA

BABA MUSTAPHA just died this morning.

GADE

What?

You know since the issue of Zende, many years ago, he has not been himself. Only
God really knows what happened. Somehow, I believe his side that he did not harm her,
He tried to help her --- whatever that means!!!
CUT TO:

        Scene 10

AFTER 8 YEARS

EXT. MARKET SQUARE. DAY.

Camera opens on drums, music, celebrations, shouts and ribbons flying, dancing and
joyous celebrations, women and girls with their little babies chanting and dancing in a
semi-circle celebrating their very own celebrity. Media houses are seen around waiting
to interview Amina who will soon arrive.

DANJUMA

(On a call with GADE)

Hello Doc. I've been calling you where did you put your phone?

GADE

Some of us are Doctors we don't take out phones to the ward unlike you journalist that
your phone is your daily companion.

11.

DANJUMA

(Laughs) At least I make a living from it.

GADE

DANJUMA where are you? That place is noisy.

DANJUMA

Where else, you are in town and you don't know about Anima's arrival.

GADE

Who's AMINA again?

DANJUMA
AMINA has just returned from the UNDP – United Nations Organ where she was
honored as the first African Girl/ Child of Nigerian origin to win the coveted achievement
award called Ascend Bravery given to children who differ odds to reach their goals.  

GADE (CONT'D)

Wow that's good, why did she come to our town?

DANJUMA

That's the question, why here? AMINA has been the one behind the refurbishment. The
Community up has pipe borne water, irrigation and improved agricultural schemes
thanks to the education of the girl child. 

The IDP’s – Internally Displaced persons - have a new shelter because AMINA took the
refugees matter to the World Habitat Day. The World Bank then intervened. 

In addition, the secondary school and technical college for girls are part of the projects
that will now be commissioned in a few weeks.

GADE

Wow, Are you serious? This Amina lady is doing real good in this place.

12.

DANJUMA

The best part is that the House of Reps and the Senate have passed a bill abolishing
the girl child marriage and mandated all States to adopt the rights of the girl child to
education with strict penalty for child slavery or forced marriage. 

These bills have been passed and adopted by all states since her plea at the
International Women’s Day in Singapore.

GADE

Did you say forced marriage? Wait a second? This AMINA girl had ZENDE'S spirit. You
know what I must see this for myself.

DANJUMA

Kai, She's here. She's here. I'll call you back, come quickly.

GADE
(Rushes out)

The singing and dancing of the women increases as AMINA arrives with a convoy. The
cars stops, a man opens the car for her. 

AMINA

(She alights, she’s looking good and she's putting on a sunshade, she's looks around,
media personalities are struggling for her attention. Ribbons are flying around; the
whole place is filled with excitement. She looks around, then she removes her sun
shades. She is led to the podium to talk to the people as she walks to the podium she
flashes back to her life in the past)

There's a flash back to 

Scene 3 where DANJUMA asked him why she was not coming to school?

and where her mum was beating her.

She remembers her past experience as she walks to the podium she finally gets there
and the crowd cheers, clears throat) 

13.

I'm really delighted to be home again,

My story is one that is known already, so I wouldn't waste your time.

For those who do not know, I will tell you a bit.

But Before then, it is very important that we know these facts;

10.5 million out of school children index in Nigeria which includes the girl child
has to be addressed to curb the incidence of early child marriage poverty,
illiteracy, prostitution amongst others. 
Seven states in Nigeria has the highest number of out of school children. Kano,
Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Borno, Plataeu , Ekiti states.
The attack on schools by Boko Haram 
In 2014, 276 girls were abducted from Chibok school in Borno State.
512 school were destroyed. This has put fear in the hearts of others that they
don’t want to go to school anymore. The distance between their homes and the
schools are far and their safety to and from school even within the school
premises is not guaranteed. So parents are reluctant to send them out because of
previous experiences. Which I understand but here's the thing,
Nigeria has a population of 206 million people.
14million are out of school children 
Making it the highest in the world
and believe it or not, girls make up 60% of that number.
Education is a tool for girls and women to claim their rights, it helps them to
realize potentials in economic, political, and social aspects of life. 
The most powerful way to raise people out of poverty is through education. ‘
It frees you from economic exploitation and patriarchal oppression.

Here I am today I'm grateful that BABA MUSTAPHA agreed to let me go with his friend
to study unfortunately, he's late. 

Flash back to 

Scene 7 where the AFRICAN CHIEF asked for ZENDE's name.

ZENDE

My name is ZENDE.
AFRICAN CHIEF

Hence your name will be Amina.

BABA MUSTAPHA

Why? You're taking her to school not changing her identity.

AFRICAN CHIEF

Security reasons my friend

BABA MUSTAPHA

This better work oh.

14.

ZENDE

Can I see my sister before I leave?

BABA MUSTAPHA

It's late dear, I'm afraid you can't.

             FADE OUT:

💮BACK TO THE PRESENT💮

AMINA

I heard about but how much he was mocked, I heard about it how much he was
scorned. Everyone thought he used me for ritual but here I am. I reunited with my family
last week. (Points to where her family where) Educating a Woman is educating a
Community, I'm glad I've been able to impact and give back to my Community. Na
gode.

(Cheers and Applauds comes from the crowd.) 

AMINA

(Leaves the podium and heads back to the car with her family and others that came with
her. As she's about to enter her car, a male voice calls out her name.)

GADE

ZENDE!!!

AMINA

(Turns around and look at the young man.) GADE!!(She said in utter shock and
happiness).