Fort Portal, Uganda | In parts of Uganda where economic challenges and social pressures often cut short girls’ education, innovative initiatives are helping turn the tide. As Mpanga Secondary School approaches its 60th anniversary this December, a program supported by Absa Uganda is reshaping the educational journey for young girls, giving them the tools, confidence, and support to achieve their dreams.
The “Keep the Girl Child in School” initiative focuses on addressing barriers that prevent adolescent girls and young women from continuing their education. Beyond tuition assistance, the program provides scholastic materials, meals, mentorship, and early warning systems to prevent dropouts. For many students, this support is not just financial it’s transformative.
For example, 15 girls at Mpanga Secondary School have benefited directly from the program. Senior Four student Kesemire Gorrette recounts how the initiative changed her life: “Before the support, I was unsure I could finish school. Now, I am focused on my studies, and my dream of becoming a lawyer feels real.” Stories like hers illustrate how financial relief combined with mentorship can restore hope and ambition.
The program also encourages peer support and resilience-building. Students learn to mentor one another, creating a network of encouragement that extends beyond the classroom. Head Teacher Tusiime at Karambi Primary School notes, “These girls have immense potential. What they needed most was someone to believe in them, and the support has unlocked that potential.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort by Absa Uganda, whose KH3-7 Hills Run proceeds support educational opportunities for girls across multiple districts. Since its inception, the program has reached over 21,000 girls in areas including Abim, Mbale, Mayuge, Fort Portal, and Kabarole. In addition to scholarships, the program provides access to clean water, hygiene facilities, and essential resources that help students remain in school.
During a recent visit to Mpanga Secondary School, a delegation led by Jolene Abshire, Absa’s Sector Head for Development Organizations Coverage – United Kingdom, witnessed firsthand the program’s impact. Beyond the numbers, the delegation saw renewed confidence, higher engagement in class, and tangible improvement in the students’ academic performance.
This approach aligns with a growing recognition that education is not just about classroom instruction. Supporting girls in school means addressing economic vulnerabilities, building resilience, and providing real-world opportunities for growth. By integrating financial aid with mentorship, community support, and practical resources, the program creates a sustainable model for empowering girls.
Looking ahead, Absa Uganda aims to continue expanding its support, ensuring that more girls have the chance to complete their education and pursue professional aspirations. “Every step we take in this initiative is an investment in the future of these girls, their communities, and the country,” Abshire emphasized.
The success of “Keep the Girl Child in School” demonstrates that targeted interventions can make a lasting difference. For girls in Fort Portal and across Uganda, the program is more than assistance it’s a lifeline, a source of hope, and a pathway to brighter futures.