The education system in Uganda is quite different from what you see in developed nations.
In order to attend school, students must pass entry exams and pay school fees in advance of each term. Classes are based on an assessment of the student’s ability, as opposed to their age. Therefore, there is often a broad age range working at the same ability.
If a pupil does not pass their year or cannot pay for the entire year, they must repeat that year, paying full fees again.
Understandably, instead of repeating school years and paying more school fees, many children are compelled to find work in unskilled labour in order to generate an income
For many girls in Africa, education isn’t just important for a brighter future, it’s critical to their survival. Yet, girls often drop out of school simply because they can’t afford feminine hygiene products.
A lack of education leads to vulnerability. Vulnerability leads to unwanted pregnancy, human trafficking, sexual abuse, domestic violence, HIV, early marriage and a life of no choices.
Together, we can change this. Currently, we are working alongside local schools in Eastern to reduce the dropout rate by providing sanitary products, teaching girls their value in Christ and igniting their passion for education.
Education plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty and violence. When girls are kept in school, they stand a better chance of growing into empowered women who transform their neighborhoods and nations.
To support these efforts, we work with the schools to teach good health practices, along with Godly sexual education to girls and boys—teaching young boys to respect and protect their female classmates, and reminding girls that they matter and their bodies are their own. With the help of partners across the globe, we are keeping girls in school, educated and empowered.