Stop 368 Teen Girls in Ghana from Missing School

Many teen girls in rural communities do not have the opportunity to continue on to secondary school after graduating from basic [elementary/Junior High School] schools. Lack of teaching staff or teaching and learning resources, low self-esteem, and lack of funds are all factors that might impact the high attrition rates. Self-Help International’s Teen Girls Club program was created to help mitigate some of these challenges. Despite these challenges, some girls are able to persevere to further their education and achieve their dreams.

The Teen Girls Club focuses on helping girls in rural communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to be independent and responsible citizens in future. The program is structured to empower participants to be fearless, critical thinkers, good decision makers, and self-motivated individuals in future The club also facilitates activities related to literacy and comprehension tutoring sessions with teachers. Girls report feeling more confident and comfortable in classes and in their reading and comprehension.

In Bedaabour, one of the communities where SHI’s Teen Girls Club program operates, there were eight girls who were able to overcome the challenges they faced in pursuing secondary school education. The girls actively participated in TGC activities like personal development training, community service projects, academic and career conferences, as well as literacy lessons. Because of this extra support, the girls were very prepared to face the challenge of qualifying exams. They passed Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)* impressively and are ready to commence their secondary school education.

*Basic Education Certificate Examination is the national qualifying exam all graduating Junior High School students take in order to qualify for admission to Secondary School