Over 440 girls in the Kusaug area of the Upper East region have benefited from a mentorship programme focused on guiding them in making informed career choices and learning how to balance their home responsibilities with their education.

The initiative, organised by the Sung Biela Foundation, spanned across several communities, including Bawku, Zebila, Pusiga, Garu, and Tempane is expected to equip these young girls with the tools and knowledge they need to continue their educational journey and avoid potential setbacks that may otherwise interrupt their schooling.

One of the key goals of this mentorship programme was to help the girls understand the importance of choosing the right career path and the significance of pursuing their education to the fullest. Mentors engaged with the girls in discussions about career possibilities, skills development, and the importance of self-belief in achieving long-term goals.

Another critical aspect of the programme was teaching the girls how to juggle household responsibilities, such as chores, with their academic commitments. Many young girls in rural areas often face the challenge of balancing education with home responsibilities, which can sometimes lead to early school dropouts. Through mentorship, the girls learned valuable time management skills, which would help them understand that with proper planning, they can succeed in both their education and their home life.

Founder of Sung Biela Foundation, Zenabu Awinbe Salifu, emphasised the importance of supporting young girls in their educational journey, stating, "This mentorship programme is about ensuring that these girls understand their potential. It is also about teaching them how to balance their education and home duties effectively, so they don’t have to choose one over the other.”

Zenabu said the foundation would want the girls to see that education is a key to unlocking their future and that with the right support, they can continue to thrive.

While the mentorship programme focused on girls, it also highlighted the importance of equal opportunities for both genders in education. Over 340 boys joined the event to reinforce the foundation's belief that encouraging both boys and girls to succeed equally in education fosters an environment of mutual respect and unity within the community.

The mentorship programme was met with immense enthusiasm from the girls, many of whom expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.

Participants, Ayambila Rabiatu Cristable and Gloria, shared that, the programme has taught them that they can be both a successful student and help at home.

“This programme has taught me that I can be both a successful student and help at home. I never knew I could balance both, but now I have the tools to do so without letting my education slip,” Rabiatu said.

Many district authorities also showed support for the initiative, including Ben, at the Tempane District, who noted, the program is crucial for the students and that, it is a step in the right direction for empowering the next generation and ensuring they have the education they need to succeed in life.

The foundation also supplied students with educational materials, such as math sets and pens, to ease the burden of having to purchase them.

Zenabu stated that, the mentorship programme will continue to grow to reach more communities and provide ongoing support to young girls in the Kusaug area. Through its efforts, the foundation is laying the groundwork for a future where young girls are empowered to pursue their education, make informed career choices, and become leaders in their communities.

She praised individuals and organizations, such as EPP Books, Adwinsa Publications, STC, and other donors, for their support in helping the foundation fulfill its mission.