You know that proverb, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”? It’s a simple yet powerful idea that captures the value of teaching self-reliance and skills over offering temporary solutions.

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that education is supposed to be a fundamental human right.
Yet…According to a 2022 Human Rights Violations Report by the Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), over 60% of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria have experienced some form of bullying, harassment, and lack of support from teachers and administrators in educational settings. Now, Imagine trying to focus on your studies when you’re constantly harassed and scared for your safety, just for being yourself? It’s no wonder so many LGBTQ+ persons eventually drop out, leaving them vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, and further social exclusion.

Why Education is a Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Individuals

As we’ve already established, education is often inaccessible both in its traditional sense, but also in terms of the skills and resources needed for self-empowerment. People avoid applying for opportunities for the same reasons they leave school: fear of rejection, discrimination, and violence.
But how will they get access to opportunities without information, academic certificates or even professional skills?

This is where the Bisi Alimi Foundation steps in to try and bridge that gap:

1. Personal Development

Life is tough when you’re constantly told you don’t belong, after years of being put down, many LGBTQ+ Nigerians need the motivation to rebuild their confidence and acquire the skills that’ll help them achieve their dreams. Through our 12 months Rainbow Academy program (RA), we give scholars the resources to help them assess their skills, plan for their futures, and prioritize their mental well-being. Through the Queerpedia program, LGBTQ+ persons are taught to tell their own authentic stories through media, while the Media Justice Fellowship empowers journalists and lawyers to represent queer experiences, and provide effective legal representation with accuracy, understanding, and dignity. These resources, tools and skills, help them see their own worth, navigate societal challenges, embrace their identities, and advocate for their rights and that of others.

2. Professional Skill acquisition

Unemployment rates in Nigeria are high, and specialized training can open doors to careers that might otherwise be out of reach. This is why Rainbow Academy equips LGBTQ+ Nigerians with career planning, negotiation strategies, public speaking training, mentorship, and the resources needed to find secure, stable, well-paying jobs. Economic independence not only improves the quality of life of LGBTQ+ persons but also reduces vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

3. Business and Entrepreneurship training

For those whose skills align more with entrepreneurship than traditional employment, RA offers business development, business planning, and training. Through the Mini Grant initiative under Rainbow Academy, we provide grants and resources to help established entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
By learning how to start and run businesses, LGBTQ+ Nigerians can achieve financial independence, contribute to the economy, and create job opportunities within their communities.

“I’ve attended many training sessions, but Rainbow Academy was the first that focused on me. Bisi and the trainers shared their successes, failures, and secrets freely, helping me discover myself. No one has ever done this for me, and I hope to pass on what I’ve gained. Thank you, BAF.” – Edwin Wiffey (He/Him)

Why Education is the Best Investment

Education is a powerful tool for change, and professional, business and personal skills development can mean the difference between a life of struggle, and a life of opportunity. Here at BAF, we are dedicated to making this vision a reality. We know that change won’t happen overnight, but we believe that when we invest in education, the impact goes far beyond the present, and beyond the individual.

Educated LGBTQ+ persons are more likely to be self-sufficient, contribute to the economy, challenge the “lazy, delinquent” stereotypes especially in Nigeria, and inspire others to pursue their own dreams. And let’s not forget: this isn’t just a Nigerian issue. It’s a global one. Around the world, LGBTQ+ individuals face similar issues, and by addressing these challenges in Nigeria, we contribute to a global movement for equality, progress, and human rights.

How You Can Help

We cannot achieve this goal alone. You can be part of this change by:

• Sharing this post to raise awareness about our work.
• Donating to our programs to help us make education accessible for all. Donate Here
• We’d love to hear from you! Talk to us on social media

Let’s create a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, has the opportunity to thrive.