Education is a human right. Education has the power to transform lives, offer a pathway out of poverty and towards gender equality for countries and individuals alike.

January 24th is the fourth annual celebration of International Day of Education and this year’s theme is “Changing Course, Transforming Education.” 

Less than 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school. Girls are far more likely to miss out on school compared to boys. We must increase access to inclusive and quality education for all – so that girls all over the world are equipped with the right tools to use and share their knowledge and ultimately help them to reach their full potential. 

At Self Help Africa, many women we work with face hardship and other struggles, which does not allow them to prioritise education. Our focus is to support rural farming families to reduce hunger and earn more income from their crops, which they can use to support their children’s education and growth. 

Dorothy Sijambo Habat, from Uganda, faced many challenges in putting her children through school, but now her daughter Brenda has a university diploma. Dorothy never had the chance to finish school as her parents could not afford to keep her there so it means so much to her that her children have been able to finish school and go to university.  “With this qualification, Brenda has chances that were never open to me. I have worked hard on a small farm all my life to send all of my children to school, so it has been worthwhile.”

Dorothy received training from Self Help Africa in cassava production, and grows cassava, coffee and bananas on her plot. She’s now a lead farmer and shares her knowledge with others. Read more about Dorothy’s story here. 

Long term investment for rural workers is key to reducing poverty and increasing opportunities for education – on International Day of Education, and every day.