Mr & Mrs Idulagbe got married in 2006. Due to her husband being diagnosed with glaucoma in 2007, she was forced into taking over the day-to-day operations of her husband’s bottle fabrication business. In 2017, due to entrants of larger competition and the high cost of running the business, it became unsustainable. As a result of this, the business is no longer in existence and Mrs. Elizabeth Idulagbe had to support her family by selling groundnuts (also known as peanuts) on the road. “She reached out to Pauline Adedoyin Ayanbadejo Foundation to help her support her family by setting up a food provision business. She also requested that the foundation to also help in supporting her son (Daniel’s) university education. To God Be The Glory.”

Earning respect by earning a living

Though her parents insisted she get married right away, Manju did not give up her dreams. After convincing her new in-laws and husband to buy her a sewing machine, she began earning money as a tailor, and became well known for her honesty and punctual work. With savings from her profits, she even enabled her husband to open a small general store!

Helping others as a matter of duty

Helping others as a matter of duty Manju’s strong determination to pursue her dreams inspired several other girls to attend Barli. When Manju learns about a girl who has left school, she considers it her duty to visit that girl’s home and explain the importance of education to her parents. Manju’s husband is supportive of his wife’s efforts and admires her achievements. He says, “If a family is to be happy, it is of utmost importance that the women in the family be given respect and equal treatment.”