Education and leadership support

27 July 2022

During the first year of the project, WGEP provided scholarships to 150 middle-school scholars that were at risk of dropping out of school. All the girls successfully remained in school!

Key project activities conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year were as follows:

• New scholar selection: Throughout August & September, WGEP selected new scholars to join the scholarship program, after home visits and interviews with each girl and their families. WGEP worked to carefully select girls most in need of support: those from homes with only one parent, no income, or compromised household security. A number of girls received access to safe lodging through their WGEP scholarship.
• Menstrual health and toiletry distribution: From October through to May, scholars received monthly distributions of menstrual pads, shampoo, soap, and other toiletries so that they were able to attend school while on their periods.
• Health education and mentoring: Throughout the school year, WGEP hosted workshops for the scholars on topics including gender-based violence, reproductive health, and puberty.
• Community mobilization: WGEP hosted community meetings for parents and local leaders, including one large kick-off meeting in October 2021 in Sokone where scholars received school supplies for the 2021-2022 year.