Empower Girls in Karamoja through Education

Until recently, Karamoja—a remote northeastern region of Uganda bordering Kenya and South Sudan—was barely a blip on the map. Yet, the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage are a hard contrast with visible signs of severe poverty and struggle, as Karamoja stands as one of the world's most impoverished regions. For compassionate travelers, this dual identity raises an important question:

"How can I make a difference?"



The annual Tour of Karamoja Cycling Adventure promotes Karamoja as a tourist destination to create job opportunities as well as raises funds for Girl Education to Tackle the Cycle of Poverty. Cyclists from around the world come together to tackle the stunning landscapes of Karamoja and raise funds to create real change.

This year, we dreamed big and set a goal to help even more girls in Karamoja. Through the donations we collect, we will support two initiatives that are very important and dear to us.

Students of Matany Girls' during hospitality and tourism training course.

Skill & Empower Girls – Matany Girls’ Vocational School

Matany Girls’ Vocational School stands out as a home where young mothers and girls can escape the shackles of adversity and unlock their potential. What sets Matany apart is its commitment to empowering the most vulnerable girls, often overlooked by society. This institution offers a safe space for girls to acquire skills in tourism and hospitality, hairdressing, bakery and catering, and tailoring.

Background of the girls:

These young mothers and girls, aged 15-19, have faced unimaginable challenges, including early pregnancy, lack of guidance, and abandonment. Some of these girls are breadwinners not only for their children but also for siblings, and most have fallen prey to sexual and domestic violence.

"Escaping a Child Marriage: Meet Naru. - Naru L’s life was marked by unimaginable hardship from a young age. Booked to be married at just 9 years old, she grew up amid the insecurities of the remote Tepeth mountains of Karamoja, with no access to health centers or clean drinking water. Despite these challenges, Naru dreamed of going to school. However, her mother, struggling with alcoholism, lost three babies to neglect and extreme poverty, unable to support Naru’s dream.

In late 2021, Naru and her sister joined Shanita’s program, and their lives began to change dramatically. Surrounded by care, structure, and education, Naru started to flourish. She learned English, developed self-confidence, and discovered a passion for helping others. Today, Naru dreams of becoming a nurse, driven by her desire to build a brighter future and inspire other children facing similar challenges."

Akitogogon – Shanita X Africa Born in My Heart

Their goal is to lay the foundation for the future of 60 girls in a renovated and furnished school in Karamoja for the school year starting in February 2025. While the girls will live on a school campus, education is only one element of the program: it's enrolling girls from environments where they would otherwise not only be victims of poverty but also of violent and illegal tribal customs. In addition to education, the program provides housing, meals, activities, and mental health support.

Background of the girls:

In the tribes living in the project area, it is still a common practice for girls to become brides as early as 8-12 years old for financial reasons, with the groom typically being an older man, often with multiple wives. As soon as the young girls are deemed suitable, their new husbands take them away. Unfortunately, this is not the only danger the girls of Karamoja face, as female genital mutilation is also an active tribal custom, and child marriage and child prostitution are also present. For these girls, this is not just a chance for a better life but often a chance for survival.

How You Can Help:

Your generous contribution, big or small, will make a lasting difference in the lives of these girls. Donate today and empower girls in Karamoja to reach their full potential!

Share Our Story:

Spreading the word is critical! Share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and social networks. Every share brings us closer to our goal.

Updates:

We’ll keep you updated on our progress and the impact of your contributions. Stay tuned for inspiring stories of our students and their achievements!

Participants of Tour of Karamoja 2023 handing over the donation to Matany Girls' Vocational School

Students playing traditional games during the school break at Shanita to keep them connected to their culture while progressing in education.