Her Future Starts with School
Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and inequality, yet for millions of girls around the world, it remains out of reach.
Globally, over 133 million girls are out of school, according to UNESCO. What is more, women still account for over two-thirds of all adults who are unable to read.
Even when girls can attend school, they may face challenges in participating in the classroom, such as teachers with negative stereotypes about girls, or latrines without supplies to help girls with menstrual hygiene management.
To help make education more accessible for all, Save the Children started the She Belongs in School (SBIS) project in Mozambique in 2021. With funding from Global Affairs Canada, SBIS works with adolescent girls aged 10-19, supporting them to access their right to quality, gender-responsive education.
Behind the numbers are real girls with real dreams. Read on to meet some of the inspiring young girls and women whose lives are being transformed through SBIS.
“If I’ve gotten this far, I know I can go further.”
Flávia, 19, lost her parents at an early age. As the oldest child, she became responsible for caring for her two younger brothers, facing daily difficulties in providing herself and them with food, clothing, and shelter.
Her story is like that of many girls in her district of Cuamba in northern Mozambique. According to a 2022 participatory assessment, more than 65% of girls who complete 10th or 12th grade in Cuamba district are unable to continue their studies for economic reasons or social reasons, including pressure to marry.
To address this, SBIS launched short-term scholarship opportunities with the aim of equipping girls with practical skills for self-employment, including industry-specific vocational skills. In the first phase, 25 scholarships were awarded to girls from six communities in Cuamba, providing them with training, transportation, food, and learning materials.
For her scholarship, Flávia chose a six-month Electrical Installation course at the Alberto Cassimo Vocational Training Institute (IFPLAC) in Cuamba. After completing the course with distinction, she was selected for a two-month paid internship at Eletricidade de Moçambique (EDM).
Armed with her skills and experience, Flávia began offering residential electrical installation services. In less than five months, she completed more than 20 jobs, generating an income that now allows her to support her siblings and improve their living conditions.
“Before the course, I had no idea how I would support my siblings. Now, with my own money, I can buy food, clothes and even a cell phone. For the first time, I feel like I can build a future with dignity,” she says. “My goal now is to save money and continue studying. I want to take an advanced course and work at EDM. If I’ve gotten this far, I know I can go further.”
“Children have learned their rights and duties.”
When Claudia’s teacher shared information about the SBIS Project and Mozambique’s Children’s Parliament, Claudia, 12, was motivated by the opportunity to promote positive change within her community. Joining a Children’s Parliament group, Claudia eagerly collaborated with school management and various stakeholders to advocate for child rights and support the reintroduction of children into the education system.
Alongside her peers in the Children’s Parliament, Claudia seized opportunities to address local government authorities, sharing the concerns of children in her community. The Children’s Parliament also organized educational sessions with parents to discuss the importance of children’s education, particularly for girls, and encouraging school enrollment.
In addition to the right to education, Claudia’s presentations also touch upon other critical issues such as gender-based violence, and emphasize prevention, reporting mechanisms, and how to respond to abuse and violence against children.
“We give some lectures on girls’ and children’s education, and we tell parents and guardians, that if they have children of school age, but who do not yet attend school, they should enroll them in school so that they can gain some knowledge,” explains Claudia. “Being a part of the Children’s Parliament allows me to identify some problems in my community and collaborate with other members to solve them.”
“[The club] increased my self-confidence at school.”
Gilda, 13, attends sixth grade at primary school in the Erati District, and is an active participant in the Homework (Catch-Up) Club supported by SBIS.
Through the Homework Clubs, Gilda has strengthened her literacy and numeracy skills, which helps support stronger performance across all her studies. She enthusiastically shares how the club helped her master the alphabet and develop math skills that she used to feel were impossible. Now that she can read, write, and solve math problems more confidently, her confidence in school has blossomed.
Gilda’s participation in the club with other girls has further reinforced her commitment to learning. Together, they reviewed the material at home, discussing and building on what they learned during club sessions and at school. But it was when Gilda volunteered to solve exercises on the board during club sessions that her confidence reached new heights.
“Participating in the Homework Club helped me improve my reading, writing and mathematical calculation skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and it increased my self-confidence at school. Now I volunteer more in the classroom because I understand the subject,” says Gilda. “[We must] continue encouraging girls to study, because it is through girls that dreams come true.”
Every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and shape her own future. Through She Belongs in School project, Save the Children is one step closer to supporting girls like Flávia, Claudia, and Gilda in making those futures a reality.