By bridging gender gaps through education, girls and young women in South Sudan will become empowered to serve as national, local and family leaders, engage in business enterprise, improve health practices, and effectively counteract forces of conflict and oppression. Africa ELI-educated women will lead in developing a peaceful, civil society offering equal opportunities for all its citizens.
We aim to achieve:
- Increased access to education for girls
- Improved quality education and learning environments
- Higher student retention rates and reduced at-risk behaviors
- Enhanced skills for leadership and careers
- Improved English-language comprehension and verbal competence
The majority of Africa ELI-sponsored students range in age from 14 to 26. Interruption of education services during Sudan's civil war decades prevented many girls and boys from attending school during their teenage years. Regardless of age, Africa ELI strives to support young people who desire a high school education. In keeping with our mission to bridge gender gaps through education, 75% of our sponsorships are awarded to girls with 25% available for boys. With all of the population over the age of 5 affected by years of war, many of our students are orphans, widows, or young mothers.
1. Student sponsorships for secondary education, renewable yearly for well-performing students
2. Teacher support and school needs funding as identified by local school administrators
3. Girl Talk and GEM (UNICEF’s Girls Education Movement) training of trainers for promotion of girl-child education and mentoring activities, including reproductive health education
4. Holiday School for supplemental learning during school breaks to improve student grades
5. Life skills and career development activities
The primary location of our work is in the Yei region of
Central Equatoria state. We also have experience working in Western Bahr El Ghazal, Northern Bahr El Ghazal and Warrap states in South Sudan. An administrative office is maintained in donated space in Knoxville, Tennessee, for advocacy and fundraising.
SHORT-TERM GOALS (2012-2013) – as funding allows
- Expanded transportation to facilitate student and program needs (new vehicle and school bus)
- Enhanced community awareness and outreach
- Scholarships for higher education at universities and vocational schools
- Sponsorships for a three-month learning experience in America
- Facilitation of micro-loans for women’s empowerment
- Expanded partnerships with organizations such as CAMFED, BRAC, or USAID
THE NEXT 5 YEARS
We expect to :
- Increase sponsorships by 803 students for a total of 1,000 students enrolled by 2015
- Maintain sponsorships of our continuing 141 students
- Continually evaluate and adjust our programming for optimal education services in the communities we serve
- Help locally founded Excel Academy become established as a premier secondary school in South Sudan serving young people regardless of tribe, religion, or gender
- Track success of our graduates in their chosen livelihoods--higher education, enterprise, and/or traditional family pursuits
LONG TERM RESULTS
Our long-term results are in the hands of our graduates. They are commissioned to build their communities, influence their government, and strengthen the new nation of South Sudan. We expect a ripple effect of benefits pervading family life, gender relationships, health, agriculture, economic development, and general civic life. Our graduates will provide the support their daughters need to stay motivated in school and avoid influences that would deter them from their education and life goals.
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