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One year after their abduction by Boko Haram terrorists, two female Nigerian students who escaped their kidnappers were hosted by American education unionists who renewed their pledge to see the remaining kidnapped students returned to their families.

On 16 April, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), affiliated to Education International (EI), hosted the two young teenagers who were amongst over 270 girls abducted in Chibok, Nigeria by Boko Haram kidnappers.

On behalf of the AFT, union President Randi Weingarten warmly welcomed the girls, stressing that “Pat and Saa will always have a home at the AFT and its abiding support”. She also spoke of the great honour for the AFT in hosting the girls and saluted their “bravery and courage”.

The girls thanked all who have supported the “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign, and spoke of their hopes and dreams for the future and their gratitude in having the opportunity to complete their education in the US.

Since the kidnapping, the AFT has spoken out often to condemn the terrible crimes committed in Chibok, and to reaffirm its hope for the missing children’s safe return to their homes and families.

The AFT is using social media to mobilise teachers and young people across the country, making sure the kidnapped girls are not forgotten.

The AFT has urged the Obama administration to be relentless in engaging the government of Nigeria in every international forum, urging Nigeria “to uphold its obligations as a developing democracy that respects the human rights of all its citizens, guarantees the rule of law, and ensures the security and protection of its people”.