Many girls worldwide are starting month six of school shutdowns, without concrete plans to return for the foreseeable future. She’s the First’s partners are vital sources of support for thousands of girls, ensuring that girls have basic necessities, protective personal equipment, and access to continuing education whenever possible.

Hear from three girls served by our partner Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH) in Uganda on how COVID-19 has shifted their educations and how AAH is stepping up to meet their needs as a community-based organization.

My name is Elizabeth N, and I’m a teenage student in Uganda. I stay with my mother who takes care of my siblings and me. I’d like to share a story with you about how I have been affected by COVID-19.

Previously when everything was normal, I used to go early to school and carry out my lessons like any other girl or student should. I was always able to have my two meals at school, breakfast and a nice lunch. I used to play with my friends and the teachers around me could always guide me on the best things to do.

But due to the outbreak of COVID-19, schools closed and now here I am, at home with my single mum. My mum has to do several small errands for other people like fetching firewood, digging in their gardens, grazing animals like cattle to support us at home. Sometimes, having a meal depends then on whether my mother has work to do during the day or not. Life has changed in this way, because when schools were running, I was always assured of having meals. The girls’ coordinator at AAH has made sure I can continue to receive meals, and I am so grateful for this.

Our school at AAH does provides us with weekly work to do about different educational topics, so we are always kept busy while at home. Many times, I face the challenge of being unable to read at night, because we do not have electricity or solar lights at home, so I make sure to utilize every free time I have during day. I really miss school, my teachers, friends and the care I get while schools are open and am excited to return!

Hello everyone! My name is Fridah, and my dream is to one day become a doctor.

I’m a senior student in my class, and pre-COVID-19, I was going to sit for my national exams this October. Now schools have been closed and I shall not be able to pursue these exams. This is painful, so painful to me coupled with the fact that I knew that I would be going to another class level next year. 

At the moment however, I’m keeping myself busy by helping my mother sell in her small retail shop. Through this, we are able to raise some little money for our necessities. During my free time while at the shop, I get to revise my books so that I can always keep myself informed and updated so that even after this, I will be able to perform my best at school when they open. I believe nothing can stop me from achieving my goal!

My name is Salama. I am in the seventh class at the Arlington Academy of Hope. I love my school so much. I also love going to school because it is fun and enjoyable there.

During this lockdown, I have learned a new skill of mending. Whenever my slippers or clothes are ripped or broken, I can mend them on my own so I do not need to spend any money on this.

I encourage all other girls in my community to learn similar skills which can help them and also enable their families to save money, which could be spent on other needs instead of a task that can be easily done.

Your support of the COVID-19 Response Fund ensures community-based organizations like Arlington Academy of Hope and girls in Uganda can survive through this pandemic. Make a contribution now!