Rooted in Faith, Blooming in Purpose
Background
Matthew 21:42 – Jesus said to them, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…”
Many Christian girls today struggle to balance their faith with societal expectations. They wrestle with the tension between belief and cultural norms, truth and worldly facts, fear and courage. Some have made mistakes and have been rejected by both the church and society, while others live in fear, unable to find a safe space where they can truly grow.
The Cornerstone Girl Mentorship Program is that safe space, a refuge for young women to rediscover their identity in Christ, receive guidance, and build a strong foundation for their futures. This is a Christian mentorship initiative designed to nurture “God girls” women who excel in every area of life while maintaining their faith and integrity.
While the foundation of this program is rooted in biblical principles, it extends beyond spiritual growth. Participants will receive emotional, professional, and financial literacy training, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead in their homes, businesses, and communities without compromising their faith.
Justification
With over 250 million girls under the age of 19 in Africa, young women represent one of the continent’s largest untapped sources of potential. However, many African girls particularly those from underserved communities, face unique challenges that hinder their growth and limit their opportunities. Socioeconomic barriers, limited access to quality education, gender-based discrimination, and insufficient mentorship create obstacles that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
Additionally, girls of African descent, both on the continent and within the global diaspora, contend with the compounded challenges of racial and cultural biases, which can further limit access to resources that support their emotional and professional development. These challenges extend beyond academics and into critical areas of life skills, mental health, and career guidance, areas where young Black girls often face limited support.
The need for culturally relevant and focused mentorship has never been greater. Cornerstone Girl aims to bridge these gaps by providing young African girls with mentors, safe spaces, and tailored skills training. Through this program, girls will be encouraged to envision ambitious futures, develop resilience, and lay the foundation for both emotional wellbeing and economic independence. The program’s holistic approach will not only support their academic and career
aspirations but also nurture their emotional health, addressing needs that are often overlooked for many Black girls globally.
Vision Statement
Raising a generation of God Girls, women of excellence, integrity, and resilience who bloom
spiritually, emotionally, and economically.
Mission Statement
To provide a structured mentorship program that empowers young African girls through biblical wisdom, emotional resilience training, and professional and financial literacy, enabling them to lead in their homes, businesses, and communities without compromising their faith.
Objectives
- Empower young girls through mentorship showcasing accomplished Christian women.
- Create a Safe Space for open conversations about faith, aspirations, and life challenges.
- Build Skills in leadership, career development, financial management, and emotional intelligence.
- Foster a Strong Faith Identity through guided biblical teachings and prayers.
- Develop a Sustainable Network of young women committed to excellence, integrity, and purpose-driven living.
Pilot Phase Overview
Target Audience:
Twenty-one (21), Young Women Ages 18-28 – This group is transitioning into adulthood, facing greater independence, career choices, and personal responsibility. The focus would include deeper biblical mentorship, leadership training, financial literacy, career development, and navigating societal pressures while maintaining faith and integrity. They are expected to have who have access to mobile phones, internet and are willing to commit to a one-year scalable mentorship program.
Commitment Fee:
N25,000 per participant for one year (to ensure commitment and accountability while covering program resources and administration).
Program Structure:
- Virtual & In-Person Sessions: Most sessions will be conducted virtually via mobile- accessible platforms, with scheduled in-person meetups.
- Monthly Group Sessions: Covering topics such as faith, emotional intelligence, professional development, and financial literacy.
- Prayer & Devotionals: Encouraging a strong spiritual foundation.
- Workshops & Life Skills Training: Including entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development.
- Access to a Support Network: Creating a strong community of like-minded Christian
women.
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened confidence and resilience in participants.
- Increased knowledge of career and life opportunities.
- Improved financial literacy and economic independence.
- A deeper understanding of biblical principles and faith-based leadership.
- Creation of a strong support network for ongoing growth and accountability.
Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Cornerstone Girl Mentorship Program aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Providing mentorship and skills training to young girls.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Empowering girls to overcome societal barriers and thrive.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Equipping girls with entrepreneurship
and financial literacy skills.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Creating opportunities for young African girls, especially those from underserved communities.
Conclusion
The Cornerstone Girl Mentorship Program is not just about mentorship; it is a movement of transformation. By starting with a committed group of 21 young women, this pilot phase will lay the foundation for a scalable initiative that will impact lives across Africa and beyond.
Through structured biblical guidance, emotional and professional development, and financial literacy, we are raising a generation of God girls, women who can navigate the complexities of life while staying rooted in faith, integrity, and excellence.
About convener
For Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette, The Cornerstone Girl Mentorship Program is more than just an initiative; it is a divine assignment that God entrusted to me years ago in my quiet place. However, every vision unfolds at its appointed time, and I believe that now is the season for this dream to come alive.
I know what it means to experience rejection, fear, and pain in different forms. I have walked through seasons of uncertainty, yet I have also witnessed the faithfulness of God in building a thriving career without compromising my beliefs. My journey has shaped me into a woman who stands firm in both faith and excellence, and I want to help other young women do the same.
This program is not just about teaching, it is about sharing, growing, healing, crying, and standing together. It is about creating a space where young women can be vulnerable yet empowered, where they can embrace their faith while striving for greatness. As I walk this journey with them, they, too, will stand with me. It will be a beautiful, transformative experience for us all.
