At Neno Shifters, we believe that education is a powerful tool in the fight against child marriage. Our school support program aims to keep vulnerable children, especially girls, in school by providing them with the resources they need to continue their education.

Our School Support Initiatives

Our school support program includes several initiatives designed to address the barriers that prevent children from attending school:

  • School Uniform Distribution: We distribute school uniforms to vulnerable primary school students, particularly girls, to motivate them to choose education over marriage. Since 2021, we have distributed over 150 school uniforms to students in Neno District.
  • School Supplies: We provide essential school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and textbooks to students who cannot afford them.
  • Mentorship Programs: We pair students with mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help them stay in school and achieve their academic goals.
  • Scholarship Programs: We offer scholarships to exceptional students who demonstrate academic potential but face financial constraints.

Impact of Our School Support Program

Our school support program has had a significant impact on education in Neno District:

  • Increased school attendance, particularly among girls
  • Improved academic performance among supported students
  • Reduced dropout rates in schools where we operate
  • Increased awareness of the importance of education among parents and community members

Success Stories

One of our most inspiring success stories is that of Mercy, a 14-year-old girl from Donda Village. Mercy was at risk of dropping out of school due to financial constraints. Her parents could not afford to buy her a school uniform, and she was often sent home from school. Through our school uniform distribution program, Mercy received a new uniform, which allowed her to continue her education. Today, she is one of the top students in her class and aspires to become a teacher.

Another success story is that of James, a 12-year-old boy who received school supplies through our program. Before our intervention, James was struggling in school because he did not have the necessary supplies. With the notebooks, pens, and textbooks we provided, James was able to participate fully in class and improve his academic performance.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our school support program to reach more children in Neno District. We aim to:

  • Increase the number of school uniforms we distribute annually
  • Expand our scholarship program to include more students
  • Develop a school feeding program to address hunger, which is another barrier to education
  • Establish after-school programs to provide additional academic support to students
Last Updated: April 24, 2025