Students often encounter various difficulties that disrupt their schooling, such as missing classes, leaving school early, or making important decisions like getting married young or quitting school altogether. Recognizing these challenges as crucial moments that need attention, the Girls Get Equal project provided specific training to Mother Group members. This training aimed to teach them important skills in providing emotional support within schools. The main goal was to help students attend school regularly and build their ability to stay focused on their studies.
Prior to the intervention, Nkhulambe Primary School faced daunting challenges in student retention. Many students, particularly girls, were forced to drop out due to pervasive issues such as poverty, lack of school uniforms, and pressures for early marriages. These factors created significant barriers to education and impacted the school’s ability to provide effective support mechanisms. Under the Girls Get Equal project, Mother Group members underwent comprehensive PSS training facilitated by CRECCOM and funded by Norad. This training equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and
address the underlying causes of absenteeism and dropout among students.
Dorothy Nangwiri, the school secretary, highlighted the transformative impact of the intervention.
“After receiving PSS training, Mother Group members from Nkhulambe Primary School actively engaged with students who had dropped out,” Nangwiri
explained.
They conducted community outreach to understand the reasons behind absenteeism and dropout, including issues such as poverty and cultural pressures.
The Mother Group successfully readmitted 12 female students who had previously left school due to these challenges. They provided tailored support, including the provision of school uniforms, learning materials like notebooks and pens, and emotional encouragement to motivate students to return to their studies.
“Loveness Katiti, a 16-year-old in Standard 6 at Nkhukambe primary school, had stopped attending classes due to the lack of a school uniform,” Nangwiri recounted.
“The Mother Group identified her situation and pooled resources to ensure she had the necessary supplies to continue her education.”
In addition to material support, the Mother Group initiated regular psychosocial support sessions for female students experiencing challenges related to menstruation. These sessions created a supportive environment where students felt understood and encouraged, thereby reducing the likelihood of absenteeism and dropout.
Through these proactive measures, the Mother Group at Nkhulambe Primary School exemplifies a community-driven approach to education. By addressing socio-economic barriers and providing emotional support, they contribute significantly to creating a nurturing learning environment that promotes resilience and empowers every student to succeed academically.
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