EU to support 5,000 vulnerable girls in northern Uganda
"We aim to support the government to ensure that girls continue and complete their education and thereby empower them to break cycles of poverty and prevailing gender inequality," said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.
Beneficiaries from the districts of Adjumani, Yumbe, Lamwo, Nebbi, Oyam, Madi-Okollo, and Kitgum will attend government-supported Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools and receive financial assistance to complete their education.
Jacky Achan
Journalist @New Vision
A total of 5,000 vulnerable secondary school girls in northern Uganda are to receive support to complete their education through the Cashplus Programme funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNICEF.
The Cashplus programme is part of the broader Gender for Development Uganda programme, which aims to provide education opportunities for girls facing significant economic and social barriers that hinder their journey to complete education.
Beneficiaries from the districts of Adjumani, Yumbe, Lamwo, Nebbi, Oyam, Madi-Okollo, and Kitgum will attend government-supported Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools and receive financial assistance to complete their education.
With a total budget of €85 million, the initiative not only supports girls' education but also water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services; strengthens school infrastructures, trains teachers; and enhances school management and governance.
"We aim to support the government to ensure that girls continue and complete their education and thereby empower them to break cycles of poverty and prevailing gender inequality," said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.
“It is critical in preventing the risk of teenage pregnancies, a major risk to young girls in Uganda, and in realising their full potential, and becoming agents of change in their communities.”
The EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, emphasised the EU’s commitment to gender equality, stating, “This is a concrete expression of our commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. It is an opportunity to invest in the potential of Ugandan girls, support their education and empowerment, and contribute to more resilient and equitable communities.”
The Gender for Development Uganda programme implemented by UNICEF, Enabel, KfW and the Spotlight Initiative is strategically designed to address multiple barriers to education.
Each household will receive support every school term, with additional support for girls with disabilities.