Opportunity International is running a DFID funded Girls Education Challenge (GEC) project in Uganda partnering with Opportunity Bank Uganda and local youth empowerment NGO – Private Education Development Network (PEDN). We are working with 250 schools, over 12,000 girls and over 3000 families by providing:
- A mixture of loans - to improve school environment and infrastructure;
- Financial education and life skills training – to set girls up for a better future;
- Loans for parents - to pay their children’s school fees.
The project aims to increase learning, attendance and future prospects for primary and secondary school girls across Uganda.
One of those primary schools is the Factory Primary School, in Jinja, Eastern Uganda. The school educates Kakira Sugar Plantation employees’ children and has a good academic record. They have been part of GEC project since early 2014 and now have 70 members taking part in activities, including running a social enterprise project. Earlier this year the girls created a vegetable garden to grow egg plants and spinach. In July they harvested some of the egg plants which they sold to the school at 70p per kilogram. They are saving their money with an Opportunity account - putting savings aside for educational needs such as buying books, pens, uniform, shoes, etc. By the end of July 2015 they had saved £167!
Factory Primary School- GEC Members watering flowers planted around the school premises
Sunday 11th October 2015 is International Day of the Girl Child. A day highlighting and celebrating the investment in adolescent girl’s empowerment, rights and education in order for them to reach their full potential in contributing to a sustainable world. We are working with schools and girls who have the power to unlock poverty in their communities. They are key change agents for the future. Please join us in giving opportunity to more by DONATING TODAY.
