Girls' Scholarship Program
Project Grantee
The Girl’s Scholarship program in Togo started in 2022, as a passion project of the NAF in collaboration with CECODRI, with the goal of providing means for vulnerable girls in Togo to realize their dreams.
Supporting the higher education of women in Togo was intended bridge the large gap in education statistics in Togo between men and women after the obligatory years of elementary school. This program aspires to grant the means for young ladies who wish to pursue and acquire higher education, to do so.
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The program works to shape community leaders and female role models who would inspire others, especially young girls from lower socioeconomic background, to dream and to know that everything is possible for them. The young recipients are committed to staying in Togo to give back to the community and contribute to the development of the country for at least five years after the completion of their academic studies.
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The Girls' Scholarship Program covers full tuition for the recipients, accommodation with security, a monthly stipend to cover basic expenses, medical insurance for the duration of the degree program, and computer training. In addition, there is a full-time staff present for support, and the NAF is running a mentorship program , which included personal development sessions, career talks with remarkable women of color, health education, basic computer training, literacy events, and tutoring. This program aims to support the girls’ personal development and give them tools for academic excellence.
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The pilot year included a group of 12 young ladies who began their studies in October 2022 in a variety of fields at the University of Kara in Togo. In October 2023, a second cohort of 8 girls were welcomed into the program, and in September 2024, a third cohort of 8 girls was welcomed into the program.
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The Togo program currently includes 28 young girls in first, second, and third year of university.​
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In 2023, the Girl's Scholarship Program pilot was launched in Senegal by the NAF, in partnership with the Senegal Health Institute. The first cohort of four young ladies started their studies in October 2023 at ‘Ecole de Santé de Ziguinchor’, focusing on Nursery and Midwifery studies. Once this first cohort graduates, the GSP program in Senegal will be terminated, and the efforts will continue to be focused on receiving and supporting new cohorts for the GSP program in Togo.
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Be a contributor to the Girls' Scholarship Program:
Testimonies from the Girls' Scholarship Program beneficiaries:​
“I am Maniwessouwé HOUNEKE, second year Law student. I joined the program in October 2022. I was orphaned by my father when I was 6 years old, and nothing allowed me to hold a vision for university studies after my high school graduation. However, thanks to the scholarship offered to me by the NAF, my life has changed, and I have no more challenges, other than ones related to my studies. I feel valued and I have confidence in the future. In the beginning I was scared and shy about everything, but with the different trainings I have received in the program and the community life with my villa sisters, I have learned to overcome my timidness. I can now smile and speak in a group, and I am a little more self-confidant. I would like to become a lawyer. I value all the people who work for the successful operation of this scholarship program, thank you for having believed in me, in us.”
“My name is Essotom MASSOLA, first year student at the National School of Medical Assisting. I feel very fortunate to have been selected into this scholarship program, which has made my life easier. In addition to offering me a big, wonderful family, full support for my studies and my health, I am learning a lot. I understand now that I am the master of my life and that I can realize my greatest dreams if I fully commit. I am convinced that the different trainings we receive will serve me for the rest of my life. After my studies, I would like to acquire expertise as a nurse. I would also like to be able to contribute to the continuation of the Girls’ Scholarship Program, to give more girls a chance to grow. God bless the GSP and its operators.”
“I'm Miss SANGAYOU Piyalo, second year student in the Department of Anglophone Studies at The University of Kara. The GSP, beyond being an opportunity, is also the luck of my life. In the beginning I didn't believe it. But it has become reality: despite the difficult conditions of my parents, I can pursue superior studies in the best conditions in the world! I am very happy, and I have plans for the future. I believe that I can be useful to my family and my country. Above all, I would like to be useful to other girls. I thank this great initiative which has brought us back to life. Thank you all for taking care of us, I'm grateful. May the almighty God bless you.”
