The Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE) Ghana in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation has engaged Girl Child Education Officers amongst other stakeholders in the Northern Region as part of phase two of its programme.
The engagement was to present and deliberate on the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase two Programme as well as outline strategies for its effective implementation in the Region.
The FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase two Programme seeks to provide marginalized young men and women access to tertiary education, through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Madam Anna Nabera, Programme Manager, FAWE Ghana, speaking during the engagement in Tamale, explained that it was to bring Girl Child Education Officers on board as key partners in identifying young people, who qualified for scholarship under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase Two Programme.
She emphasised that, “These officers are closest to the students and their families. They move from school to school and community to community, and so they are well-positioned to help us reach those who need this support the most.”
The scholarship programme, launched in the 2024/2025 academic year with 200 students across the country is already benefiting, targets, especially girls from marginalized communities, who often pass their WASSCE but are unable to continue due to poverty.
The programme, which would run until 2030, offers a three-year comprehensive package covering tuition, laptops, accommodation, stipends, health insurance, and mentorship.
Applicants must first gain admission into one of the seven partner technical universities namely Ho Technical University, Tamale Technical University, Dr Hilla Liman Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, AAMUSTED and Cape Coast Technical Universities before applying for the scholarship.
Madam Nabera explained that while admission to tertiary institution was a requirement for applying for the scholarship, FAWE Ghana would assist students, who cannot afford admission application forms.
She said: “After Girl Child Education Officers identify eligible candidates, the selection process will move through district, regional, and national levels ensuring transparency and fairness.”
She said the Girl Child Education Officers were also to create awareness about the programme in communities as well as in the media.
Participants suggested strategies such as visiting Senior High Schools, attending PTA meetings, and engaging disability groups to ensure rural communities were not left out.
Madam Maria Abdulai, the Savelugu Municipal Girl-Child Education Officer proposed attending PTA meetings and community gatherings to sensitise parents and guardians about the programme.
Madam Sahadatu Abukari, the Northern Regional President, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations recommended school visits and disability group meetings to sensitise such groups about the programme.
GNA
