Gulu, Uganda: A total of 56 students at Gulu University have secured prestigious scholarships from FAWE Uganda, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to empower youth through education.
The announcement was made during the launch of the Gulu University Career Expo 2025, held at the university under the theme “The Future of Work: Preparing for Careers in a Changing World.” The scholarships aim to support academically promising but financially disadvantaged students, with an emphasis on gender equity and social transformation.
FAWE Uganda, the Forum for African Women Educationalists, has so far impacted over 6,500 students through scholarships and Centers of Excellence, and reached another 80,000 children through its Tuseme (Let Us Speak Out) model.
Mrs. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda, said the organization is committed to building community resilience and promoting climate-smart socio-economic growth—especially through health and agriculture-centered education.
“Through its extensive network, the organization has been working tirelessly to support sustainable development and empower local populations to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change,” she noted.
She further emphasized FAWE Uganda’s focus on advocacy campaigns designed to dismantle harmful social norms that fuel gender-based violence and hinder girls’ education. These include community engagements, radio talk shows, and awareness drives that address issues such as child marriage, defilement, rape, and teenage pregnancy.
Opok urged communities in Gulu City to invest in the education of girls, arguing that empowered girls become job creators, not just job seekers. “By doing so, girls can break cycles of poverty and vulnerability, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities,” she said.
Gulu University Lauds FAWE Partnership
Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, welcomed the collaboration with FAWE Uganda, stating that it aligns with the university’s mission to equip students for both local and global opportunities.
“The program is designed to equip our students with essential skills that will significantly enhance their lives and future prospects,” he said, adding that the initiative helps students understand their strengths and interests, enabling them to make informed career decisions.
Meanwhile, Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, the Woman MP for Gulu City, appealed to FAWE Uganda to increase the number of male beneficiaries under the program. Currently, boys make up just 20 percent of the recipients, compared to 80 percent girls.
“Achieving a balanced society requires taking all genders seriously and providing equal opportunities for everyone. If we focus solely on educating girls, we risk leaving boys behind, which can have unintended consequences,” Aol Ocan said.
She called for a more inclusive model and urged the government and donors to allocate more funds to FAWE Uganda to allow expansion in the Acholi sub-region.
“By doing so, we can foster a more equitable and harmonious society, where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential,” she added.
Scholarship Beneficiary Shares Emotional Journey
Flavia Anena, one of the beneficiaries, delivered an emotional testimony about how FAWE Uganda transformed her life after she had dropped out of school due to financial hardship.
“I never thought something good would happen to me because I came from a poor family who couldn’t afford to pay my school fees, and my parents had told me I wasn’t going to school anymore,” she said.
She described her journey as one from hopelessness to purpose, saying FAWE gave her a second chance at life. “The painful memories of my past still lingered in my mind but no longer held power over me. Now, I stand as a testament among human beings for capacity, resilience and redemption.”
She encouraged fellow girls to persevere and never give up on their dreams. “With determination and the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and create a brighter future.”
About FAWE Uganda
Established in 1997, FAWE Uganda is the national chapter of the Forum for African Women Educationalists. The organization works to bridge the gender gap in education by ensuring that girls have access to quality education at all levels.
Through community-led initiatives and school-based projects, FAWE Uganda implements holistic interventions to address systemic barriers to education and uplift marginalized populations—particularly girls and young women.
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