EU and UNICEF launch programme to support girls’ education in Northern Uganda

28 March 2025, 3:36 pm

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

UNICEF is launching a comprehensive assistance programme aimed at supporting vulnerable girls’ secondary education in Uganda’s West Nile, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions. The programme, funded by the European Union (EU), will assist 5,000 vulnerable girls in secondary schools to complete their education through the Cashplus Programme for Girls in Secondary School.

The Cashplus initiative is part of the broader Gender for Development Uganda (G4DU) programme, which seeks to provide educational opportunities for girls facing significant economic and social barriers to completing their education. The beneficiaries of the Cashplus programme are from the districts of Adjumani, Yumbe, Lamwo, Nebbi, Oyam, Madi-Okollo, and Kitgum. These girls will attend government-supported Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools and receive critical financial assistance to help them complete their education.

The G4DU programme is the largest EU and Team Europe flagship initiative in Uganda, with a total budget of €85 million distributed to various partners in the country. The programme encompasses multiple strategies to improve girls’ educational opportunities, including water, sanitation, and hygiene, school infrastructure, teacher training, and school management and governance. UNICEF is one of four implementing partners, alongside Enabel, KfW, and the Spotlight Initiative.

“This is a concrete expression of our commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. It is an opportunity to invest in the potential of Ugandan girls, support their education and empowerment, and contribute to more resilient and equitable communities,” said Jan Sadek, EU Ambassador to Uganda.

“We aim to support the government to ensure that girls continue and complete their education, empowering them to break cycles of poverty and gender inequality. This is crucial in preventing the risk of teenage pregnancies, a major issue for young girls in Uganda, and enabling them to realise their full potential and become agents of change in their communities,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.

The programme is strategically designed to address multiple barriers to education. Each household will receive support each school term, with additional support for girls with disabilities. This financial assistance will cover various educational needs, including school fees, scholastic materials, and other essential expenses.

The beneficiary selection process involved a rigorous six-month assessment, targeting both national and refugee girls who completed Primary 7 and passed the 2024 Primary Leaving Exams. The programme will provide continuous support from 2025 to 2028, ensuring that girls can complete their secondary education without interruption.

Beyond financial aid, the programme offers comprehensive support, including:

• Personalised mentorship for girls and their families
• Guidance on the importance of education
• Community engagement to foster a supportive learning environment

In this G4DU partnership, UNICEF will leverage the EU’s contribution of €23 million to provide:

• Performance-based school grants
• Support for children with disabilities and young mothers
• Accelerated education programmes
• 21st Century skills training
• Early childhood care and development services
• Social behavioural change interventions

By addressing financial barriers and providing holistic support, this programme represents a critical investment in Uganda’s future, ensuring that vulnerable girls can complete their education and pursue their dreams.