By Frank Kamuntu
Forum For African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter has today in partnership with Mastercard Foundation launched the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men.
At an event held at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, FAWE Uganda Executive Director Mrs Susan Opok Tumusiime revealed that the launch marks the end of the first phase that ran from 2017-2023. She noted that the new program will run for 7yrs (2024-2030).
”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,” revealed Mrs Susan.
She added that of the 334 beneficiaries, 271 have completed and graduated from the program and 225 participants have secured formal and informal employment.
Mrs Susan said that following the successful implementation of the first phase program dubbed the Higher Education Access Program (HEAP) and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in Ethiopia and Rwanda, Phase II will cover 10 countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
In her remarks, Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director, FAWE Africa commended the Mastercard Foundation for the tireless effort they are continuously putting in to uplift the well-being of African young people through education.
”As you have heard, the new phase of the program is aimed at elevating young people across 10 countries in Africa but trust me we can’t do this alone without the support of big-hearted organizations like Mastercard Foundation, at least you have been our loyal partner and for all these years we have been together in ensuring accessible education for the marginalized young men and women,” said Dr. Martha Muhwezi.
She revealed that among the initiatives planned for Phase II are the design and adaptation of the bridging program in seven additional chapters, alongside scaling up in Uganda.
”Comprehensive academic bursaries will also be provided for Bridging and TVET participants, while institutional strengthening will be undertaken for the FAWE network and its implementing partners. Additionally, there will be efforts to contextualize and adapt the Extended Orientation Program, as well as provide entrepreneurship support to program participants,” said Dr. Martha adding;
”FAWE will work in close collaboration with the Foundation’s partners, specifically CAMFED, Light for the World, Mastercard Foundation Leaders in Teaching, and World University Service Canada (WUSC) to complement each other’s work for a greater impact toward the Foundation’s mission.”
Swift News has learnt that the target participants for Phase II program will be the most marginalized young women and men, including those with disabilities and from refugee communities, aged 15 to 25, who have completed secondary education. The selected participants will be supported to transition into tertiary education and later entrepreneurship (self-employment) and/or employment.
Also, in Phase II, FAWE Uganda aims to support 1,800 students through the bursary program for Higher Education Access Certificate and TVET. Additional interventions include the Extended Orientation Program, Gender Responsive Pedagogy Training, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship support, among others.
Mr Tom Aredo, a representative of Mastercard Foundation, said they remain committed and steadfast in providing opportunities to young women and men of Africa.
”We shall continue working with FAWE to make sure marginalized African children get the education they desire. Our focus is on both the male and female young people and our support continues to go to education and entrepreneurship,” said Mr. Tom Aredo.
On behalf of the government, Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba from the Ministry of Education and Sports represented State Minister of Higher Education Dr. John Muyingo who was the Chief Guest. Ssejoba hailed FAWE for assisting the government in enabling education for Ugandan young citizens.
The government is doing well in ensuring quality education for all, but sometimes we may need assistance and that is when organizations like FAWE and Mastercard Foundation come in. So for me, I see you as a great mother & reliable partner. We can’t thank you enough,” noted Mr. Ssejjoba.
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