Forum for African Women Educationalists(FAWE) in partnership with Master Card Foundation have announced $27million Higher Education Access Program for the youth.
FAWE Uganda Executive Director Susan Opok Tumusiime said the launch marks the end of the first phase that ran from 2017-2023.
”The launch of phase two means we have officially closed phase one that benefited 334 Ugandan children, both males and females; Of these, 98 were enrolled into this program in 2017, 102 in 2018 and 134 in 2019,” Tumusiime said.
Dr Martha Muhwezi Executive Director of Fawe Africa said,”Fawe is delighted to once again have an opportunity to partner with Master Card Foundation on this exciting and fulfling journey. We hope that we will effectively change the life trajectories of young women and men in Uganda and ultimately our great continent, ”
She stressed that the seven years program will benefit 1,800 young people in Uganda however it will simultaneously be rolled out across 10 other countries namely Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
According to her, Fawe overall approach will be innovation to create pathways for increasing access tertiary education, skilling and dignified work for young female and male graduates of secondary education in Africa.
“Fawe Uganda aims to support 1,800 students through the bursary program for higher education access certificate and TVET. The programme will elevate young people across 10 countries in Africa, “Muhwezi emphasized.
Muhwezi however said that Fawe through its national chapters will implement several key programs to enhance education access for marginalised communities with a focus on young women, individuals with disabilities and refugees.
Adrian Bukenya Country Director Master Card Foundation pledged to support youth led enterprises to create 30million jobs in Africa.
Fawe Uganda has been implementing the program since 2017 where 334 youth have benefitted.
FAWE is a Pan-African NGO working in 32 African countries to empower girls and women through gender-responsive education.
FAWE works hand-in-hand with communities, schools, civil society, and ministries to achieve gender equity and equality in education through targeted programmes.
More than 6,500 students have benefited from FAWE’s program since 1999.
Prof Mary Okwakol Executive Director of Uganda National Council for Higher Education commended Fawe and Master Card Foundation for the initiative saying their program will close gaps in higher education enrollment which stands at 5.6%.
