Photo: Mary on her way to university
The Africa Hydro Holdings (AHH) Achwa 2 run-of-river hydro has served as a springboard for the future of a number of a young females living in the neighbouring communities, thanks to its educational sponsorship programme.
Among its many beneficiaries, the story of Mary, the first girl from her village attending university, stands out as a testament to the profound change that the project has triggered. More than just paying school or university fees, the sponsorship programme provides comprehensive support to its beneficiaries including equipment, boarding, and importantly, pastoral support.
This holistic approach not only helps the girls academically but also aids in their overall personal development, equipping them with the tools and care needed to continue their schooling and navigate their future.
With Mary now almost having completed her first year of her university journey in procurement, her successes has triggered a notable shift in the community's perception of the value to be gained from girls, as well as boys, completing or even extending their education. Through interventions such as the school scholarship programme, it is hoped that the historical trend of early pregnancies and limited socio-economic prospects for girls can be broken, and an environment can be created in which girls' education is no longer viewed with scepticism but is celebrated.
