ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN IN KICUKIRO DISTRICT RECEIVE SCHOLASTIC MATERIALS UNDER THE USAID TWIYUBAKE DREAMS- LIKE PROGRAM
YWCA Rwanda is currently implementing the USAID funded DREAMS-Like program in partnership with Global Communities in Kicukiro district. The program’s major aim is to foster the development of women and girls to be Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and to be Safe individuals with the ability to realize their full potential.
It is widely believed that investing in a girl’s education is investing in a nation. Girls who receive an education are less likely to contact HIV & AIDS, and thus, less likely to pass it onto their children. Primary education alone helps to reduce infant mortality significantly, and secondary education helps even more.
It is against this background that the USAID Twiyubake DREAMS-Like Program gives importance to Adolescent girls and young women’s education. An education needs assessment was conducted recently to identify the needs of the adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). 2966 AGYW stated that they lacked scholastic materials.
On 16th October 2018, the program team distributed scholastic materials to 972 AGYW including notebooks, drawing books, calligraphy books, register books, school bags, pens, pencils, rubbers, school bags among other materials in the first phase in Nyarugunga, Gahanga, Niboye, Kicukiro and Gikondo Sectors.
The ceremony was presided by the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Kicukiro district Mr. Emmanuel Bayingana. He urged parents to consider the education of girls as a priority. He was grateful to the DREAMS program because it is guaranteeing a bright future for the girls.
Mr. Josue Blaise HABIMANA, the DREAMS Project Manager at YWCA-RWANDA noted that the program is in line with the government’s bid to curb school dropouts in the country. “We have been hearing reports of children dropping out of school in the country. One of the reasons behind the trend was that some parents can’t afford materials for their children, forcing them to drop out. So we worked with local authorities to identify the needy so that they are supported,” said Mr. Habimana. He further stated that the program team also takes time to sensitise parents on the importance of education because while some parents have financial constraints, others simply have misperceptions about education.
The beneficiaries who received the materials appreciated YWCA, Global Communities and USAID for supporting girl’s education. They pledged to work hard in school so as to succeed in life.
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