Uganda

Even on Break, AAH Girls Find Ways to Inspire

As a new member to the She’s The First dream team, I couldn’t wait to dive in and learn more about the girls at Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda. After studying public advocacy and focusing on Africa in my studies, the people I met, materials that I learned, and events I participated in took a strong hold on my heart. Moving to New York City I made sure to keep this a part of my life by volunteering both in the city and during a summer trip to Ghana. Now, as a Researcher for She’s The First, I am able to continue this connection through Arlington Academy of Hope.

I was a little nervous at first calling the ladies who coordinate the school. But as soon as they picked up the phone, they were welcoming and excited to not only meet me, but to talk on and on about the girls. I made this call during my lunch hour from work, and it immediately turned my rainy Monday around. The stories they told and girls they bragged about were incredibly inspiring. Feeling goosebumps several times throughout the call, I couldn’t help but think about how our talks in the future would be and how lucky I was to hear from them how these girls are growing and thriving.

A couple girls reading 1 of their 50 books for the AAH reading program.

Currently in Uganda, students are on their breaks from school. Typically the school year ends in November and picks back up in late January or early February. However, this doesn’t mean the girls aren’t staying active. During their break, they take on service projects in their communities. This can include a variety of activities such as cleaning schools or helping other girls prepare for school. These projects gives off a “pay it forward” vibe by not only making the girls feel a special sense of pride and positivity, but also allowing the support they receive from their sponsors to go even further by stretching beyond the girl and onto the good she does for her community.

Before school ended, the girls completed a reading project. This is a program that started here in the United States at their sister school Arlington Traditional School. Every girl reads 50 books from summer on to the end of the school year. This allows them to build their reading and English skills. The girls absolutely love the program and can often be found throughout the school busily reading their books even during breaks or meals. The program ends with end of the year celebrations and awards.

Photo of Aziza (left) from New Vision, Uganda's national paper Jan 25, 2013.

As I mentioned before, just because the girls are on break from school does not mean they’re on a break from being incredible. In fact, just this past week Aziza K., age 14, was featured in Uganda’s national newspaper New Vision. Aziza spoke about the confidence the school has brought to her and promised:

“I have heard a lot of stories concerning corruption involving accountants in public offices. I want to join the profession to make a positive change.”

Isn’t that awesome?

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@ExplorersTYWLS Camp Ends with Bead Making for Fundraiser

Camp has come to an end and She’s the First is left with lots of new friends, tons of amazing photos, and some great ideas for the future. Every day that we spent with the TYWLS Explorers was wonderful, but I found our final workshop to be the most fun and inspiring.

Last Wednesday we decided to let the girls experience the heart of She’s the First: giving the gift of education to a girl across the world. We talked to the girls about Uganda and how a huge percentage of their population is living on less than $1 per day. We told them about organizations like BeadforLife, started by Torkin Wakefield and Ginny Jordan in 2003, which allow the women of Uganda to break the poverty cycle by making magazine beads to be sold in North America and Europe.

Next, we told the campers about Hellen, a 15 year old girl studying at the Arlington Academy of Hope. Last year STF sponsored Hellen for the first time and this year the TYWLS Explorers have the opportunity to give Hellen another year of education by making and selling magazine beads, just like the women of Uganda!

Nabulwala Hellen, student at AAH

After teaching them how to make the beads, the girls were off and running. They were so excited about helping Hellen that they started tweeting right away!

Not only did the girls get to see how it feels to directly help someone across the world, but they got to bond with the STF volunteers!

Photo by Kate Lord

Photo by Kate Lord

Photo by Kate Lord
Photo by Kate Lord
Photo by Kate Lord
Photo by Kate Lord
Photo by Kate Lord
Photo by Kate Lord

Thank you to the @ExplorersTYWLS for letting us share your camp experience, we had an absolute blast. We have seen firsthand how much of an impact you are capable of making, and we can’t wait to see what other great things you will do!

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Arlington Academy of Hope Takes a Field Trip!

Recently, the lovely ladies of Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda took a field trip to the nearby city of Mbale. In the photos, the girls were writing down some observations they made at the local bakery they visited and are waiting to enter the train station on a Study Tour to Mbale. Always great to see what the girls are up to at AAH!

Taking some notes!

Excited to be on their field trip!

 

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Maternal Health Challenges for Uganda

A recent article in the New York Times cites Uganda’s high maternal mortality rate as casting a harsh light on the entire health sector of the African nation. The article cites an internal war waging between those who believe government funds should be spent on social needs and those focused on defense spending. Recently it came to light that the state had spent great amounts of the country’s meager resources on Russian-made fighter jets.

Several heart-wrenching accounts could be told everyday about the struggles that Ugandan women face when seeking pregnancy-related medical care. Hospitals lack basic supplies needed for delivery and conditions within the building are often moldy and a home to bats and other animals. The United Nations recently estimated that Uganda’s population will almost triple to 94 million by 2050, with tens of millions more babies to be delivered. As it is, about 80 percent of the world’s maternal deaths occur in just 21 nations, 15 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the University of Washington study. Uganda was among them. About 5,200 women died from pregnancy-related causes in the country in 2008, the researchers estimated.

Educating women will help reduce these harrowing statistics, as more midwives, nurses and doctors graduate. Visit our directory to learn more about our partner working in Uganda.

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Did You Miss GIRLS WHO ROCK? Catch Up & Donate Here!

John Wanda, founder of Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, took the stage to talk about girls' education.

Did GIRLS WHO ROCK actually happen?! It feels like a dream! At Gramercy Theatre, JoJo surprised us with the world premiere of her new title track, “Jumping Trains”; Nikki Jean, Eddy, and KimberlyNichole left an unforgettable first impression on the audience; Nina Sky got people dancing with their signature hits “Move Ya Body” and “Beautiful People”; Heather Knight showed us how a robot can rock out, too; DJ Kiss’ beats and Touré’s words kept the evening rockin’ and rolling. Their music made a difference!

More than $12,000 was raised – double last year’s concert — but don’t forget there’s still an online campaign to factor in: girlswhorock.causevox.com. We aim to raise $5,000 from GIRLS WHO ROCK online to add into a grand total – can you help?

$5,000 is the tuition for five secondary school students who are counting on us! There are 18 days remaining to reach our goal. Check out the photos & tweets below — even if you weren’t at Gramercy Theatre on Friday night, you can be part of this movement for girls’ education.

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Stella’s Story: Education for Transformation

Stella’s Story: Education for Transformation
Guest post by: Carolyn Edlebeck, AAH Volunteer Coordinator

Last week a bright-eyed seventeen year-old girl looked me in the eye and said:

“Teacher, I never knew that girls like me could study in schools like these.”

——

As a young girl growing up in Eastern Uganda, Stella never imagined that she would have the opportunity to attend secondary school, most especially a secondary school in the capital city of Kampala. Stella grew up in a one room house on the sloping hills of Mt. Elgon. Throughout Stella’s childhood she attended primary school at the local school up the hill. The conditions at Stella’s school made it difficult for her to focus on her class work. Classrooms were over crowded, with at least 100 students per class. Learning materials were not enough and students spent all day without eating breakfast or lunch. Stella never received the personal attention from her teachers due to their over-demanding workload and daunting teaching situation. Due to these factors, Stella was never encouraged or challenged to think that she could do something more, become something more. To most, Stella was just another girl, another young face in the crowded class- destined to drop-out, marry early, and give birth at a young age.

Stella

However, this seemingly hopeless situation didn’t stop Stella. Stella continued to attend school daily. She was passionate about learning and strived to be among the best. She took advantage of any chance to learn and did not allow others’ low expectations to bring her down. Although she struggled with housework at night and was often exhausted from her long walk to school, daily fetching of water, and taking care of her younger siblings- Stella stayed up late to revise her notes by candle light. Stella knew that her only hope for a brighter future was through education.

Due to Stella’s high academic performance in primary school and her passion for learning, Stella was given a scholarship to attend a high-level, boarding school near Uganda’s capital, Kampala. This scholarship, through Arlington Academy of Hope’s Secondary Scholarship Program, has given Stella the opportunity to continue with her studies and achieve the future she had only dream of. This scholarship has opened the door for Stella and allowed her to study in a “school like this,” one which she had previously thought were not for “girls like her.”

—–

As I stared back at Stella and tried to conjure up a proper respond to her heartfelt comment I was overcome with emotion. How could a young girl of today not feel she was worthy to attend a decent school, to receive a proper education? How could I help Stella understand that SHE was the one who had worked for her opportunity and that she deserved the scholarship as much as anyone? How could I make her feel entitled to be THE FIRST girl to attend secondary school in her family? Honestly, no response could relay the emotions I felt. All I could do in that moment was to hug her and tell her how proud she should be of herself and how important it was for her to continue dreaming and aiming high. Her future was brighter than ever.

Stella’s comment made me realize the genuine impact Arlington’s scholarships and She’s the First are having on young girls throughout the world: a personal, life-changing impact. However, Stella’s childhood is not unique. Hundreds of thousands of girls in Uganda face the same daily challenges in school and at home as Stella faced. Support for these young girls is essential in order to enable them to lift themselves out of this reoccurring pattern of hopelessness and into a brighter future through education. It is only through higher education that these girls can choose and change their destiny to become what they have only dreamed of as possible. By giving girls, such as Stella, the opportunity to attend secondary school a new generation of girls will be empowered and it is this generation that will lead Uganda’s future.

[Editor's Note: Join us TONIGHT at the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert at Gramercy Theater in NYC to help us support the Arlington Academy of Hope!]

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AAH Girls’ Retreat in Mbale!

[Editor's note: This blog post was written by Caitlin Green and Carolyn Edlebeck.]

AAH girls play at their retreat in Mbale

Arlington Academy of Hope works very hard to raise intelligent and driven students. It is important that the Arlington staff and community continue to inform and sensitize the students, especially the girls, with all necessary life skills for them to be successful. As the young girls at AAH begin to grow and mature, there are many issues that they face as they move from the rural setting to their new secondary boarding schools. Therefore, AAH organized a P7 retreat with the aim of giving the girls an added foundation of self-confidence and understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle before they move on to higher education.

On August 6th-7th, the P7 girls joined AAH teachers on a weekend retreat to St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale. The two-day retreat was full of activities and speakers for the P7 girls. The topics covered included Behavior and Self-Confidence, Relationships, Health, and the future plans. Five speakers from varying backgrounds came to speak to the girls on Friday and Saturday, giving expert advice on many issues ranging from HIV/AIDS, personal health, future goals, career aspirations, and the importance of having good, healthy relationships. One speaker, Justine Auma, was a clinical officer who spoke to the girls about health and hygiene. Another speaker was Pastor Frank Nankunda, who created a wave of excitement for the future and the importance of continuing education. The overall goal of the retreat was to equip the girls with useful and important information so that they could have control of their futures, health, and sexuality.

Overall, the retreat was a huge success! As Nakuti Carolyne in P7 commented, “I learned so much in Mbale. Now, I don’t think any girl in our class will drop out of school. I was so grateful for all the information our teachers and other speakers shared with us. I will never forget them. They have inspired me to have a successful future.”

Between speakers, everyone played games, had relay races, and listened to music. At the end of the retreat, each girl received a gift bag that included two pairs of underpants, a bar of soap, a jar of rubbing oil, shoe polish, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. This was a very successful and fun-filled event, for both the teachers and students. Hopefully, this will become the model for future girls’ retreats, because the value and importance of sharing information with young girls is critical for their success in secondary school and beyond.

[Editor's Note: Come support AAH in their mission to empower girls by attending our  GIRLS WHO ROCK concert in NYC -- TONIGHT!]

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Her Story: Kakai Ameria, AAH Student

[Guest post by Carolyn Edlebeck, Ugandan Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Academy of Hope]

Girls study at the Arlington Academy of Hope

Ameria is a 15-year-old girl in Primary 7 who has earned the top spot in academics for her class. She is active in the music program, and loves to study. Ameria has dedicated herself to achieving the best education possible, and has received much in return.

Before she attended AAH, she attended a public school in Manafwa, in a district a few hours away. She spoke almost no English, though now she calls English her favorite subject. “That school was fair,” Ameria said. “But sometimes the teachers can’t teach.”

In order to attend AAH, Ameria has to live with her uncle in the area. Her mother is a farmer and her father is a policeman in Kampala. Her mother manages a household of 7 children, cooking, cleaning, and fetching water. Ameria misses her family but enjoys living with her uncle. She gets to see her siblings on school holidays when she is not working on music for AAH.

Her favorite thing about Arlington is the books. “They help me to read and learn. They teach me about the world and answer my questions,” she said.

She hopes to give back to her community by becoming a doctor. Ameria’s hopes and aspirations are fueled by her experiences at AAH and the dedicated teaching staff.

“Before I came to AAH I didn’t speak much English and now I can speak very well. AAH has helped me get a future, to help myself and my family.”

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Her Story: Nabutsale Annah, AAH Student

[ Guest post by Carolyn Edlebeck, Uganda Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Academy of Hope.]

Annah (right) with a friend at AAH

When AAH staff and volunteers arrived at Tororo Girls School to check on Arlington Alumni, Nubutsale Annah was the first to greet them with a warm hug and appreciative smile. Annah is in her third year of secondary school and is appreciative of the opportunity set fourth by AAH.

Teachers at Arlington’s primary school said they miss her enthusiasm, and have no doubt that she will succeed in life. “She was always such a nice girl. Everyone loved her,” Teacher Phoebe said.

Originally from Bukusekye village in the Bududa district, Annah has made the most of her home away from home. She has adapted well to her new environment, making friends and study groups within her class. She enjoys the rigorous academic climate of Tororo and is striving to improve her class rank.

“I like the way they teach here,” she said.

Annah also noted the strict policies of the school. Students are required to pay close attention to the schedule of classes, and be prompt to all activities. Sometimes, she has to wake up at 4am for preparation classes and extra studying, in addition to managing all their own housekeeping within their dorms.

She is the oldest of three sisters and three brothers. Annah’s patents are both nurses in Kikholo, and miss her while she is away. Two of Annah’s sisters attend Arlington Academy of Hope, and will likely follow her lead by attending secondary school and university. Her primary studies at Arlington have helped her set goals for herself. One day, Annah hopes to be a doctor or a journalist.

[Editor's Note: You can support students like Annah by attending our GIRLS WHO ROCK concert on June 10. Our goal is to send 42 girls to school at the Arlington Academy of Hope and its partner secondary schools!]

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Her Story: Natsite Lydia, AAH Student

[Guest post by Carolyn Edlebeck, Ugandan Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Academy of Hope.]

Lydia (far left) along with Joyce Wanda, co-founder of AAH, and two other students

Natsite Lydia is an AAH alumnae in her third year at the premier secondary school, Tororo Girls School. She is quite shy, but disciplined and very hardworking.

The rigorous academic standards at Tororo challenge Lydia. She enjoys school and is willing to rise to the occasion to expand her knowledge. Her favorite subjects are math, physics, and chemistry. Sciences are not necessarily her best subjects, but she enjoys the challenge; one day, she hopes to become a doctor.

Despite the challenging workload, she is involved in extra curricular activities like the Science Club. Tororo offers an array of school programs ranging from a Young Writers Club to the Economics Club. Lydia and her friends socialize by studying together most of the time.

Lydia is accustomed to hard work and being self-sufficient. She is the oldest of one bother and three sisters. Both of her parents live in Mataya, in the Bududa district, and work as farmers. She is the first in her family to attend secondary school. On holidays, she gets to spend time with them, in between the Arlington holiday program.

Her previous teachers call Lydia a hardworking, and obedient student.
“She has never had any problems in school. A great girl. And involved in the school choir,” Teacher Phoebe said.

Lydia looks forward to finishing secondary school and moving on to University and is thankful for the foundation she obtained at Arlington.

[Editor's Note: You can help support girls like Lydia by attending our GIRLS WHO ROCK concert on June 10 in NYC, where we'll work to send 42 girls to school at Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda!]

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My Life in School as a Girl

Earlier in the year we introduced you to Kituyi Peninah, another incredible young woman at Arlington Academy of Hope. As AAH founder John Wanda shared with us, Peninah has surmounted several challenges in her life to become a very successful student. Now, hear about her journey from her perspective.

Kituyi Peninah Loyce studies at Arlington Academy of Hope in Bududa, Uganda

My Life in School as a Girl
By Kituyi Peninah Loyce

Hi Readers of the World! Hear good news from the African girl called Kituyi Peninah Loyce living in Uganda, Bududa District and studying at Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH), located in Bumwalukani Village. Our school, AAH, started in 2004. It was my first time to be in Primary One when I was just a little girl, but now I have many new skills from all the important information I learn each day. I sometimes get information from the Internet, my teachers, and also my fellow students. At first, I did not know anything and lacked knowledge, but I now write and I am well informed.

I have been transformed now.

I teach important skills to the community outside whenever there is wrong information or people do not understand. I try to spread knowledge in any way that I can.

I have had so many experiences today, up to where I am now. I always listen to what my elders at home, parents, students, and teachers tell me. They give me great advice which I follow. I do homework, revise my books and ask friends about anything I do not understand. Whenever I have a stress or when I am hurt, or whenever I hurt somebody, I say sorry and ask for forgiveness. I always ask my parents to give me all that I need at school. I am also being assisted by my sponsor who offered to buy me spectacles so that I can see the blackboard clearly. I have difficulties with my eyes because I am a white-skinned African, so my eyes do not always work well. I try to use my eyes carefully, but sometimes I feel a lot of pain. Although there are obstacles, I am well cared for and this support has helped me become so successful and solve my difficulties.

I live with my family members and am so happy that all are healthy and alive. I have my great dad, mum, brothers- Emmanuel, Moses, and Brain, and my only sister Barbara. My dad loves me and has decided to take me to school. I am so lucky that he can afford to contribute to my school fees and I am so grateful for that. My dad also helps me in the evening when I am revising my books. He explains information to me that I do not understand and reads to me when I cannot see properly. I am absolutely hoping I will pass my examinations at the end of the year. Every morning, my mother wakes up early to make tea for us and then I am accompanied by my brother Moses to school. He is one grade lower than me. Both of us work so hard to please everyone who struggles to support us in our education.

As a child of AAH, I am challenged academically to be the best. Although I am not the very best student in my class, I am among the top. So, I am challenged to work so hard and hopefully gain the top position. In our school we have a reading challenge each year. All students are challenged to read at least 50 books. I read during every single minute that passes by. I read by the river, in my house, on mountains, and everywhere. I find any place that is conducive. The theme this year is, “Get smART-Read.”

I know I will continue to study and read hard to be a leader in the future. My goal is to join secondary level and acquire all that I need to pass. In the future, I want to be like the AAH founder, John Wanda. However, I want to set up hospitals in rural areas. I think my future goals can help me maintain and support my family because they give me so much help. My interest is to continue with my studies so that I can be very smart like all the good ministers and presidents of the world. I have always wanted to be a professional writer because I have enough resources to help me reach this goal. At AAH, we have a library and we can check out books to read.

I have been transformed now.

In our rural community, I feel so sorry for fellow children who are forced to leave school because of certain conditions and I pray for them. Many other young girls do not have the necessary support and are neglected by their fathers. These girls cannot finish school and do not get an education. Therefore, young women end up having no job. Girls, like me, need to fight challenges and read hard; we all must struggle for our future! As for me, I want to continue with my studies to become useful to society and a caring mother in the future. These goals will help me to become an independent woman and succeed in achieving my dreams.

I am Kituyi Peninah Loyce, a girl being transformed by education.

[Editor's Note: Support the efforts of Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, where Kituyi attends school, by rocking out with She's the First on June 10 at the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert in NYC!]

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Namome Asha’s Story

Today we have a special treat: We get to hear the story of one of the girls from Arlington Academy of Hope! This extraordinary young woman is just one example of the students at Arlington Academy of Hope that will be supported by the GIRLS WHO ROCK. So, without further ado, meet Namome Asha:

Asha studying at the Arlington Academy of Hope

Self Expression
by Namome Asha

My Story

I am called Namome Asha Anne and am in Primary Seven at Arlington Academy of Hope. I began studying at Arlington in Primary One in 2004. It has been a very good school for me. Arlington has helped me very much. My sponsors have helped me pay for my school fees and this has enabled me to get a good education. My education has opened up the world to me. It has helped me become a very strong young girl and I am successful in my studies.

Education has helped me become so successful.

My family consists of 8 members, three boys and five girls. One of my brothers has just completed his advanced level education. However, my family is just doing fair. My parents are not very well off, but I struggle hard to help them. For now, I do not live with my real parents. I live with Uncle John’s family.  They picked me from my father’s home because they saw he was unable to pay my school fees. They have managed to keep me up to now in Primary Seven and I thank them for that care for me. God bless them. They have supported my education so much.

At my school, Arlington Academy of Hope, we have so many activities. Every year, we practice and participate in the music competitions. This year we have advanced through three levels and the fourth level is the final National Competition. We have won all the three levels, and all that is remaining is nationals. We pray hard to win.

We also go for educational tours every 3rd term each year. From P.2 to P.3, they tour Mbale regions. From P.4 to P.5, they tour Jinja and the rest of P.6 and P.7 tour Kampala region. We are so glad for these tours. All our thanks go to the sponsors and also the U.S.A. board for sponsoring us to go on these trips. Arlington Academy of Hope has helped us, as young students, do and see things were never dreamed were possible.

"I would like to request to you, a global network of women, to help girls know how to solve such problems."

I have faced many challenges in my life.  Some of them, like math, seem to be hard for me. But, I have made sure that I ask my friends and teachers for help. At school, we have a Reading Challenge every year. In last year’s challenge, I was able to read 65 books. For this year, I should be challenged to read more than 100 books! I work hard towards the promise to read many books so that I can be pleased with myself. I also have a challenge to work extremely hard to pass my Primary Leaving Examinations this year. My goal is to pass with flying colors!

As young girls in a rural community, we face a lot of problems and challenges. We tell problems to our Senior Woman teacher who helps us so much. Some of them are solved, but some are not solved. Some of the problems facing women of the world are defilement, rape, and kidnapping. I would like to request to you, a global network of WOMEN, to help girls know how to solve such problems. Many parents do not care, even if we tell them.

There are other challenges facing woman in education and in the world.  Some women sell themselves on streets as prostitutes and then leave their education. Other women or girls feel that they are not as strong as men or boys.  They feel that they cannot hold some jobs like president, professor, etc. It makes them neglect themselves and their education as well. Other women or girls drop out of school when they are very young, leading them to be less educated. Those are some of the challenges facing women and education today. These problems are real and are causing the girls to remain a “step down” from boys.

My hope for the future is to join secondary school next year. I hope to learn and continue in school with my studies until I complete them. My hope also is to work hard and get good grades in my upcoming mock examinations. Some of my dreams for the future are to finish university and get a master’s degree. Another dream is to become the President of Uganda. I hope my dreams will pass through and be fulfilled by working hard.

It is so important to continue with my education because it will help me in various ways in my life.  This will enable me to get a very good job in the future. It will help me to stay safe from diseases like HIV/AIDS, which cannot be cured. I will be able to have a good husband and family in the future. Continuing with my education will help me to be useful to my fellow brothers, sisters, parents, and relatives.  It will enable me to be so successful in my life.

[Editor's Note: If you would like to help Asha continue her education and also enjoy an awesome evening of live music in NYC, buy your tickets at www.girlswhorock.org! ]

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AAH Runners Go for the Gold

Doreen Watsema receiving her medal and 50,000 shillings

Running for enjoyment and exercise is not an activity practiced or understood by many people who live out in the hills of Bududa, Uganda. Many Ugandans in this area spend their days fetching water, digging in their fields, walking long distances to school or market, and grazing their cows. Therefore, the idea of spending energy on the task of running when it serves no purpose seems, well… silly. You can imagine that it was quite a sight, then, when locals began to see a group of AAH teachers and students running past their homes every evening for the past few months. But after a few weeks, this “event” became routine and people no longer just stared — they cheered everyone on up the hills, and a few brave onlookers even joined the runners.

The running started because AAH was asked to participate in a 5km/10km Fun Run Race, organized by the International School of Uganda (ISU). The race, held on April 3rd, required preparation. In the months before the race, Arlington athletes met every evening to run and train. This training created a great sense of camaraderie between all teachers, students, and community members.

Although this event was new for AAH, this was the 10th year the International School of Uganda held its charitable Fun Run. For 2011, Arlington Academy of Hope was chosen as one of the beneficiaries from the event and all proceeds would directly benefit AAH programs. This was a major privilege for AAH since it is one of ISU’s four partner schools in Uganda. This strong partnership has allowed AAH and ISU teachers to exchange teaching ideas and strategies through ongoing teacher trainings and exchanges.

The day of the ISU Fun Run was something truly magical for the 18 participants that ran on behalf of Arlington Academy of Hope. Each teacher and student felt important because they were representing AAH as athletes in Kampala. Lornah Bisiku, a seventh grade AAH student, remarked on UBC radio that the only time she had been in Kampala was last year for the AAH school field trip. She said she felt so special because she got to be an active participant. All AAH representatives performed well and made AAH proud by happily bringing home 7 medals — 5 students and 2 teachers came out on top!! A few students, who won medals and money, were motivated to continue running and decided to spend their prize money to buy their own pairs of running shoes to practice in.

A month later, students and teaches still proudly wear their medals to school. These examples explain the invaluable exposure these students and teachers experienced due to the ISU Fun Run. After experiencing Kampala and seeing a high-class school, such as ISU, the students were motivated and inspired to work hard to be able to reach such heights again and to continue proudly representing AAH throughout Uganda and the world.

Overall, the event was fun, exciting, and successful. ISU hopes to have brought in close to $5,000 for each beneficiary, a huge step in raising local revenue in Uganda.

Story Credit: Carolyn Edlebeck, Arlington Academy of Hope

[Editor's Note: Arlington Academy of Hope is the for our upcoming GIRLS WHO ROCK concert. Run on over to www.girlswhorock.org to get your tickets -- we'll see you June 10!]

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By the Numbers: Ugandan Education Stats

Lunchtime for girls at the Arlington Academy of Hope

There are a ton of reasons to go to the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert on June 10: the incredible talent (JoJo, Eddy, and DJ Kiss, among others), prizes (Fender guitar, anyone?), and venue (Gramercy Theater) are only a few of the elements that will combine to make sure you have an amazing time.

But the real reason we’re doing this is because if we reach our fundraising goal, we’ll send 42 girls to school in Uganda. Yesterday, the founder of Arlington Academy of Hope John Wanda sent us statistics from a Ugandan news site, and I’d like to share them with you to show the odds these 42 girls are up against:

• Ugandan primary schools have an average retention rate of 25 percent between P1 and P7 — that means 75 percent of students drop out before the end of primary school.
• The reasons for drop out? Pregnancy, early marriage, lack of interest, and lack of money. Girls are the hardest hit.
• Uganda has a low rate of contraceptive use, at 23 percent of women.

The article states that education, especially for girls beyond primary level, would reduce the high rate of teenage pregnancies, which are as high as 25 percent, as well as help them make informed decisions about contraceptive use and child spacing.

John adds, “These are national averages. When you look at a specific rural area like Bududa [the location of Arlington Academy of Hope], the statistics are far, far worse. I can say with some certainty that less than 5 percent of the women in Bududa use contraceptives, and the average number of children per woman exceeds nine. Average age of conception is 14 years, and the drop out rate certainly exceeds 80 percent.”

We can stop 42 girls from becoming part of these jarring statistics. Join us June 10, and help us spread the word: Music is universal. Education should be, too.

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Arlington Academy of Hope Students Rock!

Here at She’s the First, we are counting down (just 17 more days!) to our GIRLS WHO ROCK concert. While we can’t wait to see the artists rock on, what we’re most excited about is the cause—proceeds from the concert will benefit the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, a school that provides an education for students from rural areas and poor villages.

But our music artists on June 10th aren’t the only ones who rock—check out this video of Arlington Academy of Hope founder John Wanda as he shares the story of how students there went further than they ever dreamed at a national music competition last year:

You can learn more, buy tickets, and donate to the cause here: http://girlswhorock.org/

See you June 10!

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Save the Date: GIRLS WHO ROCK, June 10!

Today we are overjoyed to announce the date and location for GIRLS WHO ROCK 2011: June 10, at Gramercy Theater! About a week-and-a-half ago, we revealed that this year’s GIRLS WHO ROCK will fundraise for the sponsorships of girls at the Uganda partner of She’s the First — Arlington Academy of Hope!

Over the weekend, She’s the First President Tammy Tibbetts & Executive Director Christen Brandt road tripped from NYC to Arlington, VA to visit John & Joyce Wanda, the founders of the school, as well as the Executive Director of AAH (@AAHUganda), Dan Gardner, and two committed Board members, Dick & Carole. John Wanda, one of the most smiley people we have ever met, cannot wait to meet you on June 10th — watch his greeting below!

Special thanks to Cathi Bruns of workisnotajob.com for designing our save the date! Follow her at @workisnotajob.

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Nourishing the Planet: Arlington Academy of Hope

Great news for our Uganda partner, Arlington Academy of Hope! Not only were they announced tonight as the 2011 beneficiary of the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert hosted for She’s the First, but they were recently featured on Nourishing the Planet! This is a project from Worldwatch Institute that studies programs creating sustainable solutions for the world’s problems. In Uganda, agriculture is a way of life. Arlington Academy of Hope recognized the need for children to not only learn academically, but to learn agriculturally as well. This may not seem so relevant if you’re growing up in New York City, or Fort Myers, where I’m from, but if you’re from rural Uganda, there’s nearly a 100% chance that agriculture is how your family survives.

We are so proud that our Uganda partner, @AAHUganda, was recognized by Nourishing the Planet for its exceptional model of education and sustainability. Let Nourishing the Planet research fellow Molly Theobald tell you more about all of the great work going on at Arlington Academy of Hope:

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Albino Student in Uganda Beats the Odds, Rises to Top

Penninah in a photo with AAH Founder John Wanda

When you hear the statistics that millions of girls are out of school in the world, it can easily numb your mind. But then there are the stories of individual girls that pierce your heart with so much feeling…the girl who overcame the odds — and Peninah is one of them. The founder of our Uganda partner program, Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, highlights her incredible rise to the top of her class:

When Peninah Kituyi first came to the Arlington Academy of Hope in 2004, she had lost hope in education. A lanky eight-year-old at the time, she had already attended three schools, leaving each one in quick succession as hostile students taunted her and called her names because she was an albino. In class, she couldn’t see what her teachers wrote on the blackboard. Seated at the back of the classroom, all she could see was a blur. She could not write, and she had difficulty identifying objects in a room. And like all albino girls, her skin often erupted in painful blisters. School for her was torture, and she was ready to give it all up. After all, in each of the classes she had attended, she was consistently at the bottom. There seemed no future for her in education.

That year, however, the Arlington Academy of Hope opened in neighboring Bumwalukani, about three miles away. It was a private school, charging as much as 85,000 shilings a term at that time, but Peninah was able to convince her dad to try and enroll her there in one last attempt. Her dad obliged, but was pessimistic. Could this school be any different from the other schools Peninah had attended?

Peninah’s dad’s doubts were dispelled almost as soon as they reached the new school. Although the school was barely finished and had little to its name, the teachers on staff were welcoming. Peninah was welcomed warmly, and when the teachers realized her disability, they put her in the front of the classroom so she could see better. They also contacted the school’s founder in the US, John Wanda, to see if he could find some special help for the little girl. John Wanda was able to find a donor, Linda Watkins, who gave money to buy the girl special lotions and clothing. She was also taken to an eye specialist in Kampala who fitted Peninah with prescription glasses. Peninah came back a transformed girl. For the first time, she could see clearly. At school, she took everything in that the teachers taught. By the end of that first year, she had risen to the top of the class, easily beating the other 30 boys and girls and showing that she had talent and capability.

In the seven years that Peninah has spent at AAH, she has been a model student. She was an avid reader, topping her class in books read each year. She also sang in the School Choir, and was one of the students who represented the school and the region in the National Music Competitions. While her eyes continued to bother her, she never let that interfere with her education. There were occasions she misplaced or lost her glasses, but she still managed to figure out how to read and remember what her teachers taught. The school takes her for periodic eye tests to ensure that the glasses work well. Everyday she walked the 3 miles to AAH as if in a hurry – school meant everything to her. Her parents saw the blossoming of their girl and were grateful for the opportunity AAH had given to her.

Last year, Peninah sat her PLE. Although she knew she would pass, no one expected her to pass as highly as she did. She led all the girls in her school, and in the district of Bududa, by obtaining 8 aggregates. For a girl who was on the verge of dropping out of school, Peninah had become the best girl in her district. Life could not be better.

Because of her performance, Peninah will receive a full scholarship from AAH to attend any secondary school of her choice. AAH will pay for her all her tuition and boarding fees, uniforms, textbooks, and anything else required by the school. All students from AAH who obtain 8 aggregates or better get this offer. This year, 8 students performed at this level. The remaining 30 students who sat PLE at AAH will get scholarships, but they will be required to contribute a nominal amount of 75,000 shillings towards their education. This comes to about 10% of the cost for each student in their first year. AAH scholarships have helped hundreds of students afford a quality education in some of Uganda’s best secondary schools. And for Peninah, it is a dream come true. She beat all odds to reach this far.

Here at She’s the First, we’re all about beating the odds and helping girls like Peninah to achieve their dreams. To learn more about Arlington Academy of Hope, the program that Peninah participated in, visit www.aahuganda.org, and think about what kind of fun fundraiser you can do with friends to sponsor a girl there for all or part of a year!

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