Donate NowTogether Girls Rise Education Initiative (TGREI)
Ensuring that all girls and young women receive quality and transformative education is our top priority
Our Together Girls Rise Education Initiative (TGREI) delivers essential social-emotional and sexual health training to secondary school girls, addressing critical aspects of their personal development and well-being. By integrating these elements, TGREI empowers girls to navigate their educational and personal lives with greater confidence and resilience. Beyond individual support, TGREI focuses on strengthening school ecosystems. We work to build a gender-transformative framework that supports girls and fosters a more resilient and equitable educational environment. This dual approach ensures that the initiative's benefits extend throughout the school community, driving systemic improvements and creating lasting impact.
-
Girls Empowered : Over 5,000 secondary school girls have received essential social-emotional and sexual health training through TGREI.
-
School Ecosystem Enhanced : 80% of participating schools have implemented gender- transformative practices and policies.
-
Improved Outcomes : 90% reduction in school dropout rates among girls since the initiation of TGREI.
Success Stories
“The training and resources provided by JMERC have tremendously improved our students' retention rate, especially among girls. We used to have almost 50% of girls dropping out of school before reaching senior four, but since the JMERC program started, we have not registered even 5% of the girls dropping out.” - Head Teacher
Empowered and Unbroken: How JMERC Transformed my Life Amidst Adversity
My name is [name withheld], and I’m a fifteen-year-old student at Kantare Secondary School in Rukiga District. My story is one of courage, resilience, and the transformative impact of JMERC’s Girls Empowerment Programme.
One day, my life took a dramatic turn when I went to a local shop to buy milk. A misunderstanding with the shopkeeper’s wife escalated into a severe accusation. She falsely accused me of having an affair with her husband. My stepmother, without seeking the truth, allowed the woman to confront me, leaving me alone and defenceless.
Desperate for refuge, I turned to a trusted adult friend who sheltered me for three days. During this time, I learned that the shopkeeper had been wrongfully imprisoned on charges of defilement. This injustice was worsened by my stepmother’s greed and exploitation of the situation for financial gain.
Thanks to the training I received from JMERC, I developed a strong sense of self-esteem and the courage to act decisively. I went to the police station to defend the innocent shopkeeper. Despite my stepmother’s manipulations, my truthfulness and confidence led to his release. It was a testament to the strength JMERC had helped me build.
Returning home, I faced hostility and rejection from my family. The bitterness from my stepmother and subsequent family alienation pushed me to find solace with my grandmother, supported by my uncle who took responsibility for my education.
Even amidst these hardships, my spirit remained unbroken. I continued my education at Kantare Secondary School, driven by the empowerment and confidence JMERC instilled in me. I credit the programme for giving me the courage to stand up for myself and others, and for helping me navigate such a tumultuous period in my life.
Today, I am a proud and happy student, thriving academically. My journey is a powerful reminder of how JMERC’s Girls and Youth Empowerment Programme does more than just provide education; it builds the confidence and strength needed to overcome life’s challenges. My story is a testament to the transformative power of empowerment, education, and unwavering resilience.
Tangible Outcomes
Empowered Students: Increased self-esteem and resilience among girls, contributing to higher school attendance and lower dropout rates.
Strengthened Ecosystems: Schools have developed and adopted gender-sensitive policies, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Community Impact: Positive shifts in community attitudes towards gender equality and education, driven by the success of TGREI.
Support Our Mission: Join us in expanding the reach of TGREI and creating more opportunities for girls. Your support can make a profound difference in their lives and futures.
Success Stories
“The SEL program has helped me understand my emotions and manage stress better. I feel more confident in myself and my studies.” – Student, SEL Program Participant
“The transformation in students’ behaviour and attitude is remarkable. They are more engaged, empathetic, and ready to tackle challenges.” -
Accelerating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Program
Empowering Hearts and Minds
Through our Accelerating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, we have made significant strides in empowering Uganda’s rural youth. A cornerstone of our initiative is the launch of the Open Minds Youth (OMY) Club, which operates within schools and integrates seamlessly into the broader education system.
The OMY Club serves as a dynamic platform for delivering SEL training and fostering emotional and social growth among students. By embedding the club into the school environment, we create a sustainable and supportive network that extends beyond individual classrooms, impacting the entire educational community.
Our program aims to empower millions of students across the country by equipping them with essential skills for personal development, emotional resilience, and academic success. This integrated approach ensures that SEL principles are not only taught but actively practised, creating lasting positive effects on students’ lives and their communities.
-
In our pilot phase, 5,400 youth in rural secondary schools in Uganda participated in our SEL program, acquiring essential skills for personal and academic success.
-
Participants in the pilot reported a 40% increase in emotional well-being and resilience.
-
A pilot school reported an almost 82% rise in students’ school attendance among the students involved in the SEL program.
Tangible Outcomes
Enhanced Emotional Skills: Participants show significant improvements in self-awareness, self- regulation, and empathy.
Stronger Community Ties: Increased collaboration and understanding among students foster a supportive community environment.
Academic Growth: Higher engagement and improved performance in school, reflecting the positive impact of SEL on learning outcomes.
Support Our Mission: Help us continue to empower rural youth in Uganda through SEL. Your support drives our success and extends our reach
Empowering Youth through Vocational Skills : Transforming Uganda’s Future
Our program is dedicated to empowering Uganda’s youth by equipping them with essential vocational skills for economic and social transformation. Through our initiative, we have made significant strides in both educational resources and teacher training:
Vocational Skills Development: We have provided schools with crucial tools, such as sewing machines and computers, enabling students to acquire practical vocational skills. These resources are pivotal in offering hands-on training that prepares students for various career paths and enhances their job readiness.
Teacher Training:We have also invested in professional development by training teachers and instructors in gender-responsive pedagogy. This training ensures that educators are equipped to create inclusive and supportive learning environments, addressing diverse student needs and promoting equitable education.
-
Enhanced Educational Tools: In our pilot phase, we have equipped one school with 5 sewing machines, while another school has been equipped with 10 sewing machines and 5 computers. These essential resources are fostering practical vocational training and skill development among students, enhancing their readiness for various career paths.
-
Inclusive Teaching Practices: Teachers and instructors have received training in gender-responsive pedagogy, leading to more inclusive and effective teaching strategies.
-
Economic and Social Impact: Impact: By integrating vocational skills training with gender-responsive education, we are preparing students for economic opportunities and contributing to broader social transformation.
-
Join Us in Empowering the Future: Your support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transforming
Your support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transforming
Your support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transforming Your support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transforming
Your support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transformingYour support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transforming
Your support can help us expand vocational training opportunities and provide essential tools to more schools across Uganda. Contribute to transforming
Parents’ Engagement and Empowerment: Building Stronger School Communities
Transforming Education Through Parental Involvement
Our program is dedicated to empowering parents and fostering their active involvement in their children’s education. By engaging parents as crucial partners in the educational process, we are creating stronger, more supportive school communities.
-
Enhanced Parental Involvement : We have successfully increased parental participation in school activities, leading to more vibrant and collaborative learning environments. Parents are now actively involved in decision-making processes and school governance, contributing to a more inclusive and community-driven approach to education.
-
Collaborative School Development : Parents have played a significant role in the development and improvement of school infrastructure. Their involvement in building school structures, such as classrooms and other facilities, has not only enhanced the physical environment of schools but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
-
Empowered Families : Through targeted workshops and support programs, parents have gained valuable skills and knowledge that enable them to better support their children’s academic journey. This empowerment has led to improved student performance and well-being.
-
Increased Engagement: Most of parents in the pilot schools are now actively participating in school activities and decision-making processes, reflecting a significant increase in community involvement.
-
Infrastructure Improvements: Parents in one of the Pilot schools have contributed to the construction of two new classrooms and science block, enhancing the learning environment for students.
-
Strengthened School-Home Connection: Schools have reported a significant improvement in the relationship between teachers and parents, leading to better communication and collaboration.