Background
35% girls in Uganda were subjected to sexual abuse compared to 17% boys before age eighteen. Physical and sexual violence was more common in northern Uganda with more teenage girls between 15 – 19 years as victims. Education is a strong weapon for socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable people, and schools provide an opportunity for the young people to develop their capacity for lifelong learning and successful transition to adulthood.

About the project
The project set out to create an SGBV-free learning environment in Pope Francis SS. This was done through increasing awareness and knowledge about SGBV in Pope Francis secondary school, improving collaboration and partnership in areas of SGBV in private schools and building the capacity of relevant stakeholders to identify and respond to sexual gender-based violence;

Results
There was improved school attendance and participation of girls in class and school activities by 15.8%. Enrolment and attendance of girls increased from 215 students to 249 by the end of term three. The teachers and administrators became gender sensitive in the planning and delivery of lessons, including execution of other school programmes. There was formation of students’ Safe Learning Environment club for advocacy and continued engagement of stakeholders about violence, abuse, rights and protection of children. There was increased multi-stakeholder engagement and partner support for gender equity and rights activities within the school.

Year: 2019