Aid grant to address inequalities in girls' education

EdUKaid has been awarded its second UK aid grant from the UK Government’s Department for International Development.  This grant will enable the small, Salisbury based charity to tackle both the cultural and practical issues that prevent 97% of girls from completing their education in Tanzania. 

Through the delivery of a two year Menstrual Health Management Project, the project will provide a safe space for girls to learn about their bodies, understand their rights and share concerns about issues such as pregnancy, pressure to marry and FGM.  The Project will also help local communities understand the rights of women and girls and challenge their deeply entrenched cultural beliefs at the root of gender discrimination, marginalisation and sexual exploitation.

EdUKaid's Heshima Project for menstrual health to keep girls in school

International Development Minister Baroness Sugg said: “EdUKaid’s Heshima Project will help transform the lives of thousands of girls living in poverty in Tanzania by ensuring they are able to access a quality education. UK aid is helping to prevent child marriage and enabling access to desperately needed sanitary products in schools. These are vital steps to keeping girls in the classroom”.

“The Small Charities Challenge Fund makes it easier for small British charities like EdUKaid to access UK aid, helping them to improve lives and reduce poverty around the world.”

EdUKaid’s Programme Director Teresa Wells told us “We are delighted to have been awarded our second grant from the Government’s Small Charities Challenge Fund.  In southern Tanzania, girls face huge barriers to accessing and remaining in education due to poor, undignified sanitation facilities, a lack of understanding of their rights and harmful cultural beliefs. The project will educate girls about their bodies, empower them to make informed choices and enable them to remain in education."

Contributing toward Global Goals aimed at reducing inequality, promoting gender equality, reducing poverty and ensuring the availability of sustainable sanitation, this new project builds on EdUKaid’s wider work to improve the educational opportunities and life chances of the most disadvantaged children.

It costs just £2 a year to provide one girl with sanitary products - you can help us reach more girls by donating here

EdUKaid's Heshima Project - more information