By Samuel SAM
A total of 592 students in the Gushegu district of Northern Region have so far benefitted from the CAMFED-Ghana educational initiative, a programme aimed at transforming the lives of marginalised girls by supporting their access to education.
Many of these students were at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints; however, through CAMFED’s intervention they have been able to continue their education, with several successfully completing their studies.
In collaboration with the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), the initiative has also extended support to 411 CAMFED-supported businesses and 65 self-funded businesses. These enterprises have received training, start-up grants and micro-credit support to enhance their growth and sustainability.
Speaking at a CAMFED Stakeholder and Community Durbar held in Gushegu, the Municipal Chief Executive, Abdul-Hafiz Adam, underscored the programme’s impact. He noted that the initiative has contributed significantly to reducing female unemployment in the district.
He urged current beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and encouraged others not yet enrolled to take advantage of the opportunity and work toward becoming CAMFED Association (CAMA) members.
The event brought together a wide range of community stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Assembly Members, religious leaders, youth leaders, teacher mentors, Parent Support Groups and community members. The objective was to deepen community involvement and support for CAMFED’s ongoing activities in the municipality.
“The initiative has contributed to many girls’ academic success, who have now become beacons of hope and inspiration to their peers,” Mr Adam stated.
In a show of support, Gushe Naa Alidi Ziblim praised CAMFED for its commitment to youth empowerment through education. He noted that traditional leaders are appreciative of the positive changes brought to the community by the organisation’s efforts.
“Let us commit to working together to ensure that every child, regardless of gender or background, has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.
District Education Committee Chairman, Mr. Daajeeb Siknani, explained that the CAMFED initiative was introduced to support underprivileged girls at the Junior and Senior High School levels by ensuring they start and complete their education.
He emphasised that the programme specifically targets girls from poor and underserved communities who are unable to meet the financial requirements of education.
Clara Valentine Tigenoah, Head of Programmes at CAMFED-Ghana, said the organisation continues to work in Gushegu and other districts across Ghana to provide bursaries, build young women’s leadership and support livelihood opportunities. This includes mobilisation efforts through Parent Support Groups, teacher mentors and district-level committees.
“Our mission is to ensure that no child – especially the girl-child – is left behind in education,” she said.
Ms. Tigenoah highlighted CAMFED’s broader commitment to transforming lives through education and safeguarding the rights and future of children, with a particular focus on combatting early child marriage.
“We recognise that early child marriage is a growing concern in Gushegu. Every time a girl is forced into marriage her education ends, her health is endangered and her potential is cut short. This is not just a girl’s issue – it is a community, development and justice issue,” she explained.
She added that although poverty, peer pressure and lack of information often lead to early marriage, communities can reverse the trend through right support, education and leadership.
“We must all be committed to protecting every girl’s right to a safe, educated and fulfilled future,” she concluded.
