The Problem: Employment
The odds against finding a job as a young person in Uganda are staggering. Uganda has the youngest population of any country in the world, with 77% of its people between the ages of 15 and 24. Uganda’s population is predicted to double between 2020 and 2060. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics found in 2021 that 41% of Ugandans between age 18 and 30, or 9.3 million people, are neither in school nor employed.
A secondary school education (whether four years or all six years) is an important start, but it is generally not enough to lead an independent, fulfilling life and make a positive impact on one’s family and community. While secondary education lays a crucial foundation for personal and intellectual development, it often falls short in equipping students with the practical skills needed to thrive in the job market, especially in places like rural Uganda. The country’s curriculum of secondary education tends to emphasize theoretical knowledge rather than hands-on skills, leaving graduates ill-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in the workforce. There is a huge gap between education and employability where the job market demands a range of technical, vocational, and practical skills.
The Solution: Skilling
While attaining a secondary education is a remarkable achievement that opens doors to further opportunities, the girls will most likely return to their villages only to be married off, which is one the most painful things to witness after struggling to put a girl through school to avoid child marriages. Additional skilling beyond secondary education is imperative to bridge this gap and empower young women with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment and become self-sufficient.
African Girls Can recognizes the importance of addressing this important issue. With the resources we have, we have two options:
- we can send a larger number of girls just to secondary school OR
- we can ensure that a fewer number of young women are provided with a higher level of education and training.
Option 2 aligns with African Girls Can’s goal since the beginning… to educate girls in order to create FULLY empowered women.
By offering scholarships for higher education and vocational training, African Girls Can enables young women to acquire practical skills aligned with market demands. This multi-faceted approach not only empowers the girls with employable skills but also instills in them a sense of confidence, independence, and agency. As these young women transition into the workforce with a combination of academic knowledge and practical expertise, they are better equipped to contribute to their communities, break the cycle of poverty, and serve as role models for future generations.
Success Stories
 Nancy has accomplished her goal! This is a great feeling for her and for all of us who cheered for her along the way. Nancy's Journey in Pictures | Nancy Apio was African Girls Can’s very first participant. On September 3, 2016, Nancy said: “When I sat for the PLE (Primary Leaving Exam), I had no hope of joining secondary school since there was no money and my parents could not support me. With your support, I now have hope and determination to accomplish my ultimate goal, which is to become a nurse. I have become empowered and my attitude has changed to positive.” Fast forward to September, 2023. Nancy earned her nursing certificate from Good Samaritan School of Nursing & Midwifery in Lira in April, 2023 and is gaining her practical experience at Orum Health Center, which is the main hospital for the Otuke District in Northern Uganda. She is working in the maternity wing where she provides maternal care, including immunizations, to 20-25 pregnant women per day. On an average day, she also assists 10 deliveries and conducts antenatal classes for 40 mothers. |
 | Vivian, National Diploma in Architecture Vivian has always been a stellar example for African Girls Can. She stepped up whenever there was an opportunity for personal growth, whether leading a skit for a parent meeting, speaking on the radio, or participating in a webinar watched by people across the globe. During the webinar, Vivian spoke about her ambitions, and she is on her way to achieving them by earning a National Diploma in Architecture from Uganda Technical College. Vivian's Journey will inspire you! |
 | Patricia - Certificate in Building Construction Patricia’s sweet smile hides the difficult upbringing she had. Many of us remember her story of how her father paid for her early years of education with clay bricks he had made himself. After secondary, Patricia went on to complete a two year course in building construction at Kiryandongo Technical Institute. Patricia also jumped at the chance to speak on the radio on the topic of role models. |
 | Collet - Certificate in Childcare Collet is AGC Co-Founder Phoebe’s long-time neighbor in a hilly Kampala neighborhood. Collet had gone to secondary school, but insufficient funds to continue her education. Over the years, Phoebe observed Collet’s positive interactions with the kids in the area, how hardworking she is, and mentored her. The child care business would be an ideal fit for Collet and AGC has made it possible for her to attend a local teacher’s college. Collet has since shared her story to inspire other girls. |
Invest in Us
There are more young women just like Nancy, Vivian, Patricia, and Collet. They have completed their Ordinary or Advanced Level schooling with the support of African Girls Can and now seek financial assistance to continue on their path to independence.
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| Babra’s Dream is to become a doctor. Click here to read Barbra's story. | Sharon’s Dream is to become a pharmacist Click here to read Sharon's story. |
