 |
| Anena Faridah |
A total of 3, 274 children (1,601 girls and 1,673 boys) are enrolled in the 21 centers of ELSE. However, AA Uganda continues to face inadequate funding for NFE, and the realization of government commitments especially on training instructors, although the steps achieved so far are evident; increased outreach through alternative basic education to very poor children who had no chance and hope to access basic education including the integration of NFE in the basic education framework of Uganda. The children are proud of themselves, as Faridah states:
Anena Faridah is an 18 year old girl who resides in Bweyale (Masindi) with her Aunt after escaping in 1996 from the war in Gulu where she lost both parents. She had no hope of continuing with her education in Masindi because, she says: “we had no cloth, food and no shelter; my Aunt feared that children at school would reject me”.
In July 2006, my Aunt enrolled me in Bweyale ELSE Center because all its learners were disadvantaged children like me. But, I dropped-out because I was pregnant and delivered shortly after. After the death of this child, I re-enrolled and have continued until now when I’m in my second year of study. Unfortunately, I got pregnant again and gave birth to this baby girl (with her in photo). My Aunt takes care of the baby as I go to study but when she is away, I go with the baby to the centre. I have managed to continue with studies because we spend only a short time there. I then use the rest of the time to sell maize and fruits at the Gulu highway to earn some income for food and other necessities.
If possible I would like to continue with my education, go up to the University level, and become an Engineer or a Doctor because I want to support the people suffering like me.”
No comments:
Post a Comment