Supporting education goals for girls in Ethiopia

Girls in Ethiopia face many hurdles when accessing education. They are less likely to attend or complete school because of societal, economic, and cultural barriers, and this gender gap often relegates girls and women to domestic or sometimes unpaid labour, diminishing their roles in both homes and communities.

Working to improve this is Cuso International’s U-GIRLS 2 project. Since 2020, the project has supported economically disadvantaged girls with special needs, working to address existing barriers that impede girls’ ability to stay in high school. This includes providing school materials, including exercise books, pens, a school bag and uniform. There are also trainings, such as leadership, life skills, and reproductive health. A monthly stipend covers her transport costs and other expenses.

The program also provides gender equality and social inclusion training to teachers, school administrators, education officials, and family members. This comprehensive approach helps foster a more supportive environment for girls at home, at school, and throughout the community.

Bethlehem Kassahun first joined the project when she was in Grade 9 at Bambas Secondary School. Now in Grade 11, Bethlehem says the project’s support has contributed a lot to the betterment of her academic results.

“Since then, my average grades have increased. My average grade in the first semesters was 80%. I am standing first in my class and second in the whole school,” she said. “The tutorial sessions helped me a lot. We are also taking an English language course during the summer season which is helpful.”

Bethlehem says the life skill and leadership trainings helped change her life significantly, giving her a “yes, I can” mindset.

“The sexual and reproductive health trainings have also helped me understand that I am equal to boys. It has enabled me to make decisions myself, to protect myself from peer pressure, and to be well prepared for upcoming challenges in my life,” she said.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, Cuso International works in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to provide supports and break down barriers to girls’ education goals.