Empowering Futures, One Girl at a Time
Connecting communities for a brighter, equitable tomorrow.
About Us
We are ALU think tank students passionate about empowering women and girls through education and opportunity.
Mugisha Paradise
Uwase Huguette
Nshuti Lancelot
Bigirimana Obed
Urayeneza Yvonne
Habineza Fidele
Mission & Problem Statement
Mission
Our mission is to empower women and girls by connecting them with dedicated individuals and communities who are committed to ensuring access to quality education and lifelong opportunities.
Problem
Although the Rwandan government has made efforts to provide nine-based education, many girls in rural areas do not complete their education. According to the National Institute of Statistics in Rwanda's report of 2023, only 34% of girls are finishing lower secondary schools, and just 13% are reaching upper secondary levels. This is due to poverty, early marriages, cultural beliefs, and lack of access to menstrual hygiene support. These barriers lead to high dropout rates and girls' future opportunities, keeping families and communities in cycles of poverty. Empowering women through education can break this cycle.
Root Cause Analysis
- Why did this specific issue occur?
- Why did this problem go undetected?
- Why was the problem not prevented?
Although the government efforts in education in rural areas, only 13% of girls in rural Rwanda reach upper secondary school (NISR 2023).
Many dropouts before completing their secondary level.
There are early marriages.
People in rural areas see marriage as an economic solution.
Deep-rooted cultural beliefs in rural areas.
Gender equity is not prioritized enough in rural areas.
Stakeholder Analysis
Girls
High interest, high influence – direct beneficiaries and change agents.
Parents
High interest, medium influence – support and encourage girls' education.
Teachers
Medium interest, high influence – provide guidance and mentorship.
Government
Medium interest, high influence – policy makers and resource providers.
NGOs
High interest, medium influence – advocacy and program implementation.
Solution
Girl's Rise Initiative
A holistic, community-based program to reduce school dropout rates among girls in rural areas. It combines scholarships, real-time data to identify at-risk girls, peer-led workshops, and community mobilization. Delivered by local NGOs, schools, youth clubs, and government, Girl's Rise empowers girls and families through economic support, education, and targeted interventions—offering a sustainable, scalable path to keep girls in school and help them succeed.
Hygiene Kits
Provide menstrual hygiene kits to keep girls in school.
Scholarships
Offer financial support for girls to continue their education.
Community Outreach
Engage communities to shift cultural beliefs and support girls.
Mentorship
Connect girls with mentors for guidance and inspiration.