Project GROW

Educating Girls:
Over the past few days we have visited schools in and around district. In our meeting with the Education Director, he told us that when he started a number of years ago, there were 30 plus primary schools (our version of elementary) and now there are 64. Junior and senior high schools have increased in a similar manner, although the number is smaller given that many students cannot afford to continue past primary. With enrolment no longer the driving force, the schools are now trying to improve the quality of education itself, increase teacher commitment and improve programming. However, girls are still underrepresented in the school system and he praises Vida’s efforts with the Girl Child Education program as a way to improve this. We have met a number of the schoolgirls and in between self conscious giggling and shyness, they have confided hopes and plans and are ambitious; journalism, nursing, law. I wish them well; the challenges are enormous but those who have plans are currently in high school and that is a place where those dreams can become a reality.
Many of you who are following the blog (and it makes us feel so connected to know that you are) may be unaware that in this region, especially in the rural areas it is not uncommon for a man to have more than one wife; girls are often sent into marriage early, and often for reasons of poverty. Project GROW is about empowering women first and foremost (although as we move to phase two with education and community building, the men are becoming much more involved and are anxious to be a part of the program).

It is not our place to judge the traditions around marriage and polygamy and we don’t; but we know that change will happen with education. This is especially true if we ensure that girls are getting the chance to go to school. Educating girls is one of the single, most important things we can do to bring about change. The facts speak for themselves; when girls go to school they get married later, become mothers later, have fewer children and the children they do have live healthier lives. And of course, they have more choice with regards to marriage

Ghana is a very Christian country and this will also impact the lives of girls. Morality messages are everywhere and reflected from business signs to soap operas and movies; people are very open about their faith. Although strongly Catholic, many other faiths also enjoy a strong presence and religious organizations do much of the work on the ground, providing many of the resources. Religion is also a major part of the public school curriculum. When the children sang for us on the day we visited their school, one of the songs was a hymn. This religious base can have an important impact when it comes to changing perceptions of marriage. When young people want to marry, they want the blessing of their priest or pastor, and that will not happen if it is a polygamous marriage. Cynthia explained to us that one of the great things about education is that this blessing of a pastor or priest is important enough to make a difference in the social view of marriage.

When a family has limited funds, the boys will be the ones who go to school, so the Girl Child Education fund addresses this inequality. However there is some flexibility in the Girl Child fund; one of our school visits included the regional school for the deaf because Project GROW has sponsored a young orphan boy who is deaf. His parents died when he was a baby, he was taken in by a family but of course his challenges were many. Project GROW sponsors his tuition, and he is now thriving. He is lovely young boy with a beautiful smile, who is living in a community that can support and encourage him. The school itself was wonderful; the staff were inspired, dedicated and cared deeply about the success of the students. They have established many great programs and initiatives, the children board there, and are part of a strong and connected community. When they finish their public education they go on to a training school nearby where they can continue their education in post secondary or develop a skilled trade.

So, Project GROW has many strands, many initiatives and lots of good things happening. The Girl Child Education fund is one of the long term and significant strands that will impact this society and bring about better lives for women and families; it can also change how marriage is viewed . Tuition averages $150 per year, less for primary and more for secondary, and it is money well spent because it gives girls a fighting chance.