Brave Girls Festival in Nebbi inspires girls to stay in school
It is an initiative by the Protect SRHR project implemented by IRC, Reach A Hand Uganda, Humanity & Inclusion, and World Vision in six districts of West Nile (Nebbi, Koboko, Yumbe, Terego, Maracha and Pakwach).
Some of the students that turned up for the Brave Girls Festival. (Photo by Edna Piyic)
_________________ Albert Francis Ongom, the programmes officer of the four-year Brave Girls Festival, said the initiative focuses primarily on girl child education. (Photo by Edna Piyic)
The first-ever GN Trybe Brave Girls Festival was held in Nebbi district on Thursday (September 25), aimed at encouraging girls to stay in school.
The event was held at Namrwodho Primary School in Nebbi Municipality.
It is an initiative by the Protect SRHR project implemented by IRC, Reach A Hand Uganda, Humanity & Inclusion, and World Vision in six districts of West Nile (Nebbi, Koboko, Yumbe, Terego, Maracha and Pakwach).
According to the Nebbi district records, seven percent of girls failed to complete the primary level of education last year.
The same records indicate that 26 percent of girls get pregnant during their teenage years in the district — a little higher than the national figure of 24 percent, according to the National Housing and Population Census.
Albert Francis Ongom, the programmes officer of the four-year Brave Girls Festival, said the initiative focuses primarily on girl child education.
“We want to end teenage pregnancies, reduce new HIV infections among the girls, maternal death and sexual and gender-based violence, among others," he said.
The strategy is to ensure high enrollment, retention and completion of girls in schools.
Ongom said they plan to visit schools, communities, and health centres to ensure that they speak to both the girls and the boys to have a positive mindset.
The Brave Girls Festival was themed: 'Young, bold, connected, recognising and amplifying girls' potential'.
Amos Thopacu, the coordinator of District Youth Advocacy Network, Nebbi, said young girls are forced into marriages and inevitably become pregnant at an early stage.
He said negative cultural norms and practices are to blame.
'I have learnt to say no'
Faith Anirwoth, a Senior Two student of Nebbi Town Senior Secondary School, attended the festival and shared her takeaways.
“These boys and men can convince you that they are interested in you, but this festival has taught me to say 'no'," she said.
Her schoolmate, Vivian Kwiyucwiny, said she will protect herself by being confident in all that she does.
“We were told that there are many opportunities for the girl child. Therefore, we need to work hard instead of concentrating on unhealthy relationships," she said.
On her part, student Clever Claudia Munguru said that despite the challenges in education, she promises to listen to her parents' guidance so that she succeeds in life.
Maxwell Opakrwoth, the chairperson of the Debating Club of Angal Senior Secondary School, said they encourage active participation of the girls in debating to boost their confidence.
“Our girls are much better at public speaking because they are good at English. However, in class, they tend to shy away from participation; therefore, there is a need to encourage them."
'I am inspired'
Humphrey Nabimanya, the CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, said girls and young women were taking centre stage, "sharing their dreams, voices, and resilience".
"Parents, community leaders, boys, and allies are joining in to challenge harmful norms and ensure every girl has access to education and SRHR services," he said.
"I am inspired by these young leaders who are already shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we are proving that when girls are bold and connected, change happens starting now."