Sara Ali, a 16-year-old girl in the 10th grade at Gemeharu Secondary School. She was born in the Banishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia in Assosa city. Her favorite subjects are civics and mathematics. She has always dreamed of becoming a Psychiatry. She enjoys praying and spending time with her family. Growing up in a family of farmers, her parents valued education but faced significant economic challenges that made it difficult to prioritize schooling for their children. Sara is the second of four siblings, and like many girls in her community, she encountered numerous obstacles on her path to education.
From a young age, Sara showed a keen interest in learning. She would often accompany her older brother to school, listening intently as he shared stories about his lessons. However, when it was time for Sara to enroll in school, her parents hesitated. The family struggled to make ends meet, and they believed that investing in a girl’s education was less important than that of a boy. Moreover, the cultural norms in her village posed additional barriers. Many families believed that girls should marry young and focus on household responsibilities rather than pursue education. Sara faced pressure from her peers and even some family members who questioned her commitment to schooling. Despite these challenges, Sara remained focused on her studies.
She would often study late into the night by candlelight, determined to keep up with her lessons. Her teachers recognized her potential and encouraged her to continue, but the societal pressures weighed heavily on her. When Sara was in the 10th grade, her family faced a significant crisis. Her father fell ill and could no longer work on the farm. The family’s financial situation deteriorated, and Sara’s parents considered withdrawing her from school to help support the family. On her own;
“Although I wanted to learn, my family did not encourage me to study. They help my brother follow his studies, but they don’t encourage me. My father was ill and I had to leave school to support the family. Also, they were going to marry me a rich man, I didn’t know how to convince my family that I should continue my education, and I didn’t know about my rights.”
When was Sara feeling desperate, NEWA provided a two days human rights training in Benishangul Gumuz region, Assosa city. To create awareness on their rights, gender-based violence, gender equality, women human rights…etc. Sara was participated the training session and she shared her story with NEWA, that was moved by her challenges, determination and resilience. Moreover, NEWA trained and provided Sara with a psychosocial support that allowing her to continue her education without burdening her family. In the meantime, Sara received the human rights training and she understand the rights and she know about all girls and women rights. The training was the greater impact to her families. she can lead to a reduction in the burden on Sara’s family by fostering Sara’s emotional well-being, problem-solving skills and coping strategies. Through building stronger relationships with her family; improving her communication skills to express her needs more clearly and build better interpersonal dynamics; building self-confidence; building a positive connection with her family by forming friendship that helped to convince them to continue her education and it helps Sara gain a sense of empowerment and control over her own lives. Sara would likely have been introduced to coping strategies that empower her to handle life’s difficulties more effectively.
After the training, Sara understands her rights and she know how to convince her parents to continue her education. Despite her parents’ initial reluctance, Sara’s determination shone through. She pleaded with them, emphasizing the importance of education for her future. After much discussion, they agreed to let her attend school.
With the support of the NEWA, Sara not only continued her education but also became involved in advocacy for girls’ rights in her community. She participated in workshops that educated girls about their rights and the importance of education. Sara learned to speak confidently about the challenges girls face and the need for equal opportunities. Inspired by her own journey explained;
“Now I have full of understanding about women rights and I protect my rights and advocate for the rights of education and gender equality started from my families. Therefore, I began to mentor younger girls in my village, encouraging them to pursue their education despite societal pressures. I organized a group of girls who had trained to collecting financial resources to support girls who couldn’t afford, fostering a supportive environment for my peers. My efforts began to change perceptions in my family, as more my families recognized the value of educating. This opportunity was a significant milestone in my journey, as it allowed my access better understanding about my rights and a more advocates for other girls who struggling their education. And finally, I really thank NEWA and my educators to give me this opportunity because it’s meaningful in my life journey.”
Sara’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of girls in Ethiopia who face significant barriers to education. Through her struggles, she not only fought for her own right to learn but also became an advocate for change in her family and also community. Sara’s journey highlights the importance of community engagement in education especially girls. As she continues her studies, Sara remains committed to her dream of becoming a Psychiatry, determined to make a difference in the lives of other girls like herself.
