From school dropout to army recruit: The story of Magdalena Joseph.
With funding from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) @COL4D – implemented by the Youth Alliance for Progress Organisation (YAPO) – a national educational initiative is transforming the lives of young mothers who have dropped out of school in Tanzania’s Gairo District.
Because of COL’s support, 17 students enrolled in the Alternative Secondary Education Pathway have taken their national examinations. 11 of the 17 obtained a passing grade to continue into high school or enter tertiary institutions.
This success story highlights Magdalena Joseph Daniel – an 18-year-old who has overcome the challenges of teenage pregnancy and school dropout. In 2024, COL’s support helped Magdalena restart her educational journey through the Alternative Secondary Education Pathway (ASEP). She was also trained in poultry farming to enhance economic self-reliance. Recently, Magdalena joined the National Service for military training.
Her journey from hardship to national service exemplifies COL’s mission to empower girls through education, skill development, and community support, fostering resilience and challenging gender barriers. By providing young mothers a second chance at education, dismantling the social and financial barriers to continuing formal schooling and advocating for flexible and cost-effective learning modes, COL is helping girls like Magdalena regain their dreams for a better future.
#COL4D #GIRLSInspire #EducationForAll #GirlsEmpowerment #SecondChanceEducation #BreakingBarriers #YouthProgress #ResilienceInAction #WomenInLeadership #MilitaryTraining #EconomicSelfReliance
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At the age of 12, Lisa had to drop out of school when her father lost his job due to illness. In the face of financial hardship, her family arranged her marriage — even paying a dowry. But Lisa refused to give up on her future. She stood her ground for over a year until the marriage was cancelled and the dowry returned.
With the support of her teacher, our partner CMES, and the community, Lisa returned to school at 14. Her school fee was waived, she received books, and even got extra tutoring from a part-time teacher whose salary was funded by the community.
Lisa didn’t stop there. Now, she has completed her Grade 9 exams and dreams of finishing her graduation and expanding her small business.
Lisa is proof that when a girl gets a second chance, she can change everything
Read her full story here: empoweringwomenandgirls.col.org/ewg-stories/lisas-journey-to-education/
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