Gulu University students get FAWE scholarships

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At least 56 students at Gulu University have secured prestigious scholarships from the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to empower youth through education.

The revelation was made during the just concluded Gulu University Career Expo 2025, held at the university last week under the theme “The Future of Work: Preparing for Careers in a Changing World.”

The scholarships aim to support academically promising but financially disadvantaged students, with an emphasis on gender equity and social transformation.

FAWE has so far impacted over 6,500 students through scholarships and centres of excellence and reached another 80,000 children through its Tuseme (Let Us Speak Out) model.

Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda, stressed that her organization is committed to building community resilience and promoting climate-smart socio-economic growth, especially through health and agriculture-centered education.

“Through its extensive network, the organization has been working tirelessly to support sustainable development and empower local populations to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change,” she noted.

Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda. (Courtesy photo)

She urged communities in Gulu City to invest in the education of girls, arguing that empowered girls become job creators, not just job seekers. They also go the extra mile and break cycles of poverty and vulnerability, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities.

The Vice Chancellor of Gulu University Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah commended the collaboration with FAWE Uganda, adding that it aligns with the university’s mission to equip students for both local and global opportunities.

“The program is designed to equip our students with essential skills that will significantly enhance their lives and future prospects,” he said, adding that the initiative helps students understand their strengths and interests, enabling them to make informed career decisions.

Betty Aol Ocan, the Woman MP for Gulu City, appealed to FAWE Uganda to increase the number of male beneficiaries under the program. Currently, boys make up just 20 percent of the recipients, compared to 80 percent of girls.

“Achieving a balanced society requires taking all genders seriously and providing equal opportunities for everyone. If we focus solely on educating girls, we risk leaving boys behind, which can have unintended consequences,” Aol Ocan said.

Flavia Anena, one of the beneficiaries, shared how FAWE Uganda transformed her life after she had initially dropped out of school due to financial hardship.

“I never thought something good would happen to me because I came from a poor family who couldn’t afford to pay my school fees, and my parents had told me I wasn’t going to school anymore,” she said.

She described her journey as one from hopelessness to purpose, saying FAWE gave her a second shot at life.