In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) has earmarked $27 million for a seven-year extension project aimed at bolstering educational opportunities, particularly in marginalized communities and for young women (girls) in Uganda.
Established in 1992, FAWE’s Uganda Chapter is part of a larger network consisting of 35 National Chapters. Its primary objective is to enhance female participation in education and narrow the gender gap across all levels of the education system in the country.
The newly announced project seeks to empower over 1,800 young individuals nationwide. This initiative builds upon the success of the first phase, which commenced in 2017 in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
During the initial phase, 334 participants (comprising 208 young women and 126 young men) were enrolled, with 271 successfully completing the program and graduating. Of these graduates, 225 have secured both formal and informal employment opportunities.
The expansion of the program, known as the Higher Education Access Program (HEAP), now extends to ten countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Mr. Timothy Musoke Ssejoba, representing the State Minister of Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, emphasized the importance of extending educational support to remote areas such as Bundibugyo, where high rates of school dropout, particularly among girls, persist.
Ms. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, highlighting its timely reinforcement of ongoing efforts.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, headquartered in Canada, has enabled over 45,000 young individuals to pursue secondary and tertiary education in Sub-Saharan African countries, fostering a broad network of pan-African and global partners.
Dr. Christine Oryema, Chairperson of FAWE Uganda’s Board, reiterated FAWE’s commitment to collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation to uplift young people and create opportunities for their holistic development.
Targeting the most marginalized youth, including those with disabilities and from refugee communities, aged 15 to 25, the program aims to facilitate their transition into tertiary education, entrepreneurship, and/or employment opportunities.
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