CHAPTER: FAWE CHARITY DINNER AT A GLANCE

Success is often attributed to education, and while it may sound cliché, this statement holds true. Education plays a vital role in unlocking opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach. It is imperative for governments and all stakeholders to fulfil their responsibility in guaranteeing access to quality education for all children, with a particular focus on empowering girls.

By prioritizing education, governments can create a transformative impact on individuals and society as a whole. Education equips children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate their lives, pursue their aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. It opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, enabling individuals to break free from the constraints of poverty and discrimination.

Ensuring equal access to education for girls is especially crucial. By investing in girls’ education, societies can unlock their full potential and benefit from their invaluable contributions. Educated girls become empowered women who actively participate in social, economic, and political spheres, fostering progress and sustainable development.

It is the collective responsibility of governments, policymakers, educators, parents, and communities to create an enabling environment that supports and promotes education. Adequate funding, inclusive policies, gender-responsive curricula, safe learning environments, and targeted interventions are all essential components of a comprehensive approach to education.

By recognizing the transformative power of education and working together, we can break down barriers, eliminate inequalities, and create a world where every child, regardless of their gender or background, has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

FAWE has undertaken a commendable initiative to advocate for access to education, retention of girls in school, and their academic success. Recognizing the various obstacles that hinder girls’ education and impede their academic achievements, FAWE is dedicated to addressing these challenges.

In many parts of Africa, gender-based violence acts as a barrier preventing girls from enrolling in school. Moreover, girls often face gender-based abuse within the school environment itself. In an effort to combat this growing regional and international pandemic, FAWE organized a charity gala dinner on November 25, 2022, to mark the International 16 days of activism against GenderBased Violence (November 25 to December 10). The event was themed “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.” On this significant occasion, FAWE launched the campaign titled “16 million plus girls accessing education in Africa; the future is GIRLS!” with the aim of raising 16 Million Kenyan Shillings (approximately $160,000) for the African Girls Education Fund.

The charity gala was graced by esteemed guests, including Zulu Queen Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Ka-Mulela Zulu, Hon. Dr. Mary Goretti, Minister for Karamoja Affairs and Woman Member of Parliament of Manafwa District, Dr. Julius Jwan, Principal Secretary, State Department for Vocational and Technical Training (VTT), and Julie Gichuru, Chief Public Affairs and Communication at the Mastercard Foundation. Distinguished leaders in the field of education from across Africa, representing government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, corporate entities, FAWE National Chapters, alumni, members, and friends of FAWE, came together to collectively raise the urgently needed funds.

The attendees were deeply moved by the impactful testimonials shared by FAWE alumni and were treated to a captivating spoken word performance by Adele Onyango.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals and corporate sponsors, the charity dinner successfully raised over Kshs. 5,000,000. This remarkable achievement will positively transform the lives of thousands of girls.

FAWE would like to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed financially and in other ways. Your unwavering support, both in person and online, is immensely appreciated. Your contributions will make a significant difference in empowering African girls to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential.