About Our School Campaign
In March 2019, we launched our maiden project “Keep Girls in School Campaign” under our education and Empowerment Project for Girls in Northern Uganda,” in collaboration with Miss Uganda Foundation, which was graced by Miss World Africa and Miss Uganda Quinn Abenakyo with a major focus on raising awareness about the value of girl child education, menstrual health hygiene, and ending teenage pregnancy and child marriage in the community.
The school campaign has since grown and evolved into an all-inclusive school campaign, as we continue to advocate for the education of both boys and girls in Acholi Subregion, as more than
half of enrolled students in Northern Uganda do not complete their primary school education, owing to poverty, which causes families to be unable to pay school fees.
Since then, we have been able to reach out to a number of schools including Gulu Primary School, Abuga Primary School, Layibi Central Primary School, Irene Gleeson Foundation Schools in Kitgum, Vanguard Primary School, Kasubi Central Primary School, St. Peter’s Primary School, St. John Paul II College-Gulu, and Gulu Central High School.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
oday, the role of Education in a girl’s life is recognized as a cornerstone for her empowerment and a key to breaking the cycle of poverty as educated girls are more likely to delay marriage and childbirth, have healthier children, and contribute economically to their families and communities.
Despite this significant progress, there are still various challenges and barriers to girl child education in the region:
Socio-Cultural Norms:
In many societies in Acholi, traditional gender roles and biases persist, viewing Education for girls as less important or unnecessary. These norms has led to prioritizing boys’ Education over girls’.
Poverty:
Families with limited resources often prioritize Education for boys hence making Girls more likely to be kept at home for domestic work or because families can’t afford school fees and related costs due to economic constraints.
Early Marriage and Pregnancy:
Cultural practices like early marriage and teenage pregnancy is still a big issue in communities and limit girls’ opportunities for Education, as they often drop out of school to fulfill marital and maternal roles.
Lack of Sanitation Facilities:
Inadequate sanitation facilities, especially during menstruation, are a significant barrier to girl child education in the region. Many girls miss school or drop out entirely due to the lack of private and hygienic facilities.
Inadequate School Infrastructure:
Poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, and overcrowded classrooms can make learning environments unsuitable, particularly
impacting girls.
Disabilities and Special Needs:
Girls with disabilities face additional challenges, including a lack of accessible school facilities and materials and societal stigma.
As an organization, we believe that education is the key to making the world a better place because today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. It’s against this background we are carryout the school campaign so as to mentor and inspire our future generations. Neglecting this area risks perpetuating cycles of poverty, gender inequality, and diminished societal progress.
