Scholarship for Girls

Namwendwa, like most communities throughout Uganda is a male dominant society where opportunity and education are mainly given to boys. St. Peter's Secondary School Academic Scholarship Scheme for girls was established in 2005.

Girls are selected from Namwendwa Primary School to fund their secondary education at St. Peter's. This way the scheme supports both schools in the Namwendwa community. The scholarship scheme is like a sponsorship program where girls are selected on an academic basis. It would be impossible to choose girls on a needs basis as everyone is as desperate as each other. The program encourages girls to work hard through primary school and also encourages parents and the community to support female education. The first 8 girls awarded scholarships successfully completed their first year in 2006. In subsequent years a further 8 girls were selected so that in 2009 32 girls will be sponsored.

The sponsorship of the girls varies according to their year level (from $185 to $325 in 2009) and is funded by One Village supporters. The scholarship includes all school fees, examination fees, school uniform and shoes, equipment, books and a meal each day.

Sponsors receive a photo and school reports of the girl they individually sponsor.

In a community like Namwendwa, this program offers huge hope for the future, as education really is the key to freedom.