Supporting girl-child education is everyone’s responsibility
Sep 07, 2010
THE call by Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) for the Government to support arts students at university reflects a silent cry by many poor students.
EDITOR’S NOTE
THE call by Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) for the Government to support arts students at university reflects a silent cry by many poor students.
Many students have missed out on university education even after qualifying for government sponsorship because they chose arts subjects.
The affirmative action to promote science and technology is a step in the right direction for national development.
However, this development shouldn’t deny gifted students a right to sponsorship at university.
The world has recognised the importance of gender equity in all forms. This is also in line with the Millennium Development Goals which spells out promotion of gender equity and empowerment of women as a third goal. Uganda has progressed considerably in ensuring access to primary and secondary education for both girls and boys.
However, a lot still needs to be done to improve completion rates. Getting girls into school and ensuring that they learn and thrive in quality, child-friendly learning environments should be key government priorities.
We must all appreciate that uneducated girls are more vulnerable to exploitation than boys. FAWE’s effort in supporting bright needy girls is already making a difference but there is a need for more concerted effort.
A lot still needs to be done to change the attitude of the society towards girl-child education. This is a battle that calls for sensitisation at the grassroots besides availing scholarship funds.
Every citizen has a stake in this. It is our responsibility to ensure that every bright needy girl gets a chance to pursue their dream.
JAMESA WAGWAU
THE call by Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) for the Government to support arts students at university reflects a silent cry by many poor students.
Many students have missed out on university education even after qualifying for government sponsorship because they chose arts subjects.
The affirmative action to promote science and technology is a step in the right direction for national development.
However, this development shouldn’t deny gifted students a right to sponsorship at university.
The world has recognised the importance of gender equity in all forms. This is also in line with the Millennium Development Goals which spells out promotion of gender equity and empowerment of women as a third goal. Uganda has progressed considerably in ensuring access to primary and secondary education for both girls and boys.
However, a lot still needs to be done to improve completion rates. Getting girls into school and ensuring that they learn and thrive in quality, child-friendly learning environments should be key government priorities.
We must all appreciate that uneducated girls are more vulnerable to exploitation than boys. FAWE’s effort in supporting bright needy girls is already making a difference but there is a need for more concerted effort.
A lot still needs to be done to change the attitude of the society towards girl-child education. This is a battle that calls for sensitisation at the grassroots besides availing scholarship funds.
Every citizen has a stake in this. It is our responsibility to ensure that every bright needy girl gets a chance to pursue their dream.
JAMESA WAGWAU