Girls returning to the classroom with new support.

Introduction

When a girl drops out of school, the loss ripples across a generation. Girls who complete their education marry later, earn more, raise healthier children, and reinvest in their communities. Yet in the communities ACFO serves, girls remain far more likely than boys to leave school early — pushed out by costs, chores, early marriage, and the simple lack of sanitary materials.

This year, more girls are coming back. Here is how.

Removing the Cost Barrier

School fees hit girls first — when money is short, families often prioritise boys' education. Our scholarships and sponsorship deliberately prioritise girls at risk of dropping out, covering fees, uniforms, and materials so that a family's hardest month does not end a daughter's education.

Dignity Kits That Keep Girls in Class

Every term, ACFO provides sanitary pads and washing soap to girls to support menstrual hygiene, dignity, and continued participation in school. Without them, many girls miss up to a week of lessons every month — and slowly slide behind until dropping out feels inevitable.

• Termly dignity kits with sanitary pads and soap
• Guidance sessions on menstrual health for girls
• Engagement with teachers so schools become supportive, not shaming

The initiative has supported girls with sanitary kits to help them remain focused in class and reduce the challenges associated with menstruation.

Mentors and Role Models

Girls stay in school when they can see where education leads. Our mentoring circles connect students with older girls and women who have completed their studies — living proof that finishing school is possible and worth the struggle.

Educate a girl, and you educate a family. Educate enough girls, and you change a nation.

Working With Families

Lasting change requires fathers, mothers, and community leaders. Our household visits and community dialogues address the beliefs and pressures that cut girls' education short, celebrating families who keep their daughters in school as examples for others.

Our Commitment

We will keep prioritising girls in every scholarship list, every distribution, and every dialogue — until girls and boys in our communities finish school in equal numbers.

Together, We Can Help More Children Build Brighter Futures.