Girl’s empowerment program

The program focused on enrolling, retaining, and transitioning vulnerable girls into Gentiana Schools, secondary schools, vocational institutions, and tertiary education. The project made continuous follow-ups to ensure that every girl received the much-needed support, enabling them to rebuild their lives affected by gender-based discrimination, poverty, early pregnancies, and HIV/AIDS. Over the 5 years and 9 months of the project’s duration, 234 girls were supported. More specifically, 102 girls in primary education, 32 high-achieving girls in secondary school, 21 below-average students in day secondary schools, 69 young mothers or school dropouts in vocational training, and 11 bright girls in universities or applied science institutions. All girls received quality, inclusive education and life skills training, empowering them to make informed, especially reproductive, choices and build resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program swiftly introduced four mini-initiatives to keep girls engaged and protected from social vices. These included: Computer and electrical wiring courses for young mothers, life skills and empowerment sessions for teenage girls and computer literacy programs for secondary students. All participants were provided with meals during these classes.  Education is the greatest equalizer, and the Usawa Girls Empowerment Program has made transformative strides by equipping marginalized girls with tools for success through formal schooling or practical vocational training. Of the 234 girls supported, 165 have graduated and 69 girls are continuing their education!

The Gentiana Development Networks is a Swiss registered NGO, founded in 2005. It is responsible for the Gentiana primary school and technical college at the Kabira slum to improve the life chances of urban marginalized youths.