Plan empowers girls to promote social change in their communities

For those who come from the developed world, becoming a pre-school instructor may be an ordinary achievement in a professional career. But for many girls in developing countries, such simple accomplishments often indicate the beginnings of increased opportunities, and an enormous milestone in social behavior change at the community level.

In the agricultural economy of Guinea-Bissau, education for girls usually takes a backseat to work: girls attend school for an average of just 4 years. The culture in remote villages such as Gã-tauda also requires that girls marry by the age of 13-15. Following marriage, continuing education is nearly impossible due to the demands of a growing family.

According to the Guinea-Bissau Multiple Indicators Survey, the rate of children finishing primary school is 4 out of 100.

Djara, a 16 year-old girl, is one exception.

Djara grew up in Gã-tauda, one of the poorest villages in Guinea-Bissau. She was orphaned at a young age and has been raised by relatives. At an early age, Djara became an active participant in the Child Participation Groups (GPIs), one of Plan’s Rights of the Child Program initiatives. Each GPI includes 15 boys and 15 girls and is a forum that enables youth to express their needs and concerns, and receive training in the areas of children’s rights. This year, Plan registered 70 GPIs in the targeted areas of Bafata and Gabu, Guinea-Bissau.

The GPI of Gã-tauda began in 2006, and Djara was one of the first to join. Through her engagement in the group, and her wish to contribute to a positive social change in her environment, Djara learned the importance of bypassing cultural barriers to pursue her studies. With her enthusiasm, persistence, and confidence gained in part through her role in the GPI, she convinced her family of the importance of continuing her studies. She finished primary school and is now in the 6th grade.

In addition, Djara also received special training through Plan’s pre-school teacher program. Her family quickly recognized the opportunities that would become available for Djara and supported her studies. “Sometimes, I would be too tired to walk to school, but my family encouraged me to go and not miss any classes,” she said.

Upon completion of the training, Djara began to volunteer at pre-school in her community while she continues her own schooling. She now gives classes in singing and game play to stimulate learning and fine motor skills to 32 young children, ages 3-6 years old at the pre-school of Gã-tauda. She is also participating in the development of educational materials for young children.

“Thanks to my participation in the GPI in my community, I was able to continue school and be trained as a kindergarten teacher. I‘m happy now, teaching the children in my community what I was taught,” commented Djara when asked about her future.

The cost to implement GPI’s in Guinea-Bissau is relatively low, just $50 per child. The whole community benefits indirectly, gaining optimism for the future of their children and their community, improving health, education and relationships within the entire community.

Learn more about Plan’s Child Participation Groups in Guinea-Bissau.