Africa: Uganda
Educating
girls
Janet Oyee works for Caritas Lira in northern Uganda. She is passionate about child protection and education for girls. I grew up with four siblings in Lango, Lira district, northern Uganda. After our father died in 1986, his relatives claimed our house; so our mother was left on her own with no property and five children to care for. Determined that we were to finish our education, Mum engaged in micro-gardening and other agricultural activities. The little money she earned sustained our family. In 1993, she fell sick and passed away. At first, we struggled on alone and my brother and I, as the eldest, had to leave school to care for the others. I was soon able to re-attend primary school. In 1995, thanks to assistance from a family friend and Italian Catholic Priest, Father Alberto, I was fortunate to attend St Mary’s School Aboke, a secondary school for girls, and continue on with my studies. Others aren’t so lucky. Marriage and education In Lango, early marriage is a serious child protection concern with young girls often married off so their parents can lessen their economic burdens. Child marriage is a violation of human rights and compromises girls’ lives, often resulting in early pregnancy and social isolation. Young married girls face onerous domestic burdens and reduced life choices. To gain a better understanding about the challenges young girls face, I regularly visit local primary schools. I’ve discovered that most parents are not supportive to all their children. This is especially true when a girl reaches puberty as her parents believe she is then ready to find a husband.
At Caritas Lira, we are teaching schools and parents about hygiene and how to make reusable sanitary pads. Photos: Caritas Lira
“Child marriage is a violation of human rights and compromises girls’ lives, often resulting in early pregnancy and social isolation.”
Janet with her daughter, Priscilla. Janet is determined to keep girls in school as long as possible.
I’ve also discovered that mothers don’t talk about menstruation very often; so many young girls avoid embarrassment by not attending school for up to five days every month. This absence often leads to poor academic performance, with parents removing their daughters from school, only to concentrate on educating their sons. Which explains why, in Uganda and particularly my own area of Lango, hundreds of girls are enrolled in lower primary and as puberty begins, they drop out. By the time year seven comes around, there are as little as five girls left in school. How is Caritas helping? At Caritas Lira, we are teaching schools and parents about hygiene and how to make reusable sanitary pads. Made from cheap and clean cotton materials, they can last up to six months, are
cost effective and when washed, dried, ironed and kept well, are very hygienic. So far the program, which is supported by Caritas Australia, is being run in five schools. Each of these schools has a Girls Education Movement (GEM) Club as a co-curricular activity which is led by a teacher. The clubs’ aims are to ensure girls complete their education; they also champion the making of sanitary pads. Some students and parents also make sanitary pads to sell, thereby earning an income. I also like to speak with parents about the importance of education for girls, and always mention our current speaker of Ugandan Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, and the former Vice President of Uganda, Dr Specioza Wandira Kaziwe as two examples of women whose parents did not compromise on their education. Through this unique but simple program, Caritas is helping to give girls the same access to education and hopes for the future as boys.
DONATE When you donate to Caritas Australia, you are helping communities to learn about hygiene and healthcare.
winter 2013
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