Emily dreams of becoming a doctor when she’s older. Jackie wants to be a teacher. Patricia hopes to lead a church.
For these and other teenage girls in Uganda, such admirable aspirations are fragile. Poverty severely restricts access to education, especially for girls. School represents a pathway to opportunity while also functioning as a safe haven. Cut off from the classroom, girls not only miss out on valuable learning that could have propelled them forward, but often end up in difficult and even dangerous situations. It’s common for Ugandan girls to be forced into marriages as teenagers, part of a desperate attempt by their families to survive. This sadly results in high rates of gender-based violence, abuse, and teen pregnancy.
Emily
Thirteen-year-old Emily’s parents are hard-working farmers, but crop production has been in sharp decline due to challenging conditions, leaving the family without a reliable source of income. The third oldest of seven children and a dedicated student, Emily dreaded the day she might be required to drop out of school and the implications that would have for her future.
Jackie
Inspired by one of her own teachers, Jackie sees herself leading a classroom someday. The 12-year-old treasures time in school, even with the long daily walk to and from. But similar to Emily, Jackie’s parents are farmers with scarce finances and several other kids to take care of. It seemed inevitable that Jackie would need to be pulled from school, with her dreams disappearing in the process.
Patricia
At the age of 14 and the firstborn of five, Patricia is described as a “brilliant girl” who is “determined to do well in school.” Her passion for Jesus is evident in her expressed desire to “change the world by preaching the love of God.” Hindering Patricia’s pursuit of her goals was her family’s financial situation. It was a major struggle for her mother and father to afford their daughter’s educational fees. Patricia wondered if her days in the classroom were rapidly winding to a close.
Crucial junctures like these become tragic turning points for many Ugandan girls, but for this trio marked a new beginning infused with hope thanks to the intervention of Cross International and Kampala-based ministry partner Project Princess Initiative (PPI). Through the faithful giving of Cross International friends, more than two thousand vulnerable girls have been able to stay in school. PPI covers school expenses and empowers girls by providing spiritual and educational support, counseling, vocational and life skills training, and other resources. Each girl is taught that she is a “princess,” an image bearer of God with immeasurable value and worth.
The vision is for girls to flourish as they grow into young women, putting them in a position of stability when they begin their own families, which will ultimately help create thriving communities. Your generosity to Cross International is beautifully redirecting the paths of precious girls like Emily, Jackie, and Patricia. Thank you!
