Overcoming Financial Barriers to Girls’ Education: How Poverty Stole My Childhood and Why We Must Act.
As I sit down to write this, memories flood back, memories of relentless battles against poverty, fighting tooth and nail for something most take for granted: education. My story is not unique; it echoes the struggles of countless girls around the world whose dreams are stifled by financial barriers. Growing up in poverty, education was not just a means to a better life; it was the only lifeline out of the cycle of deprivation that shackled my family.
Primary school should have been a time of wonder and learning, but for me, it was marred by the constant threat of expulsion due to unpaid fees. Each term, my mother would pen desperate letters to my headmistress, begging for just one more week to scrape together enough money to keep me in school. Countless times, I was humiliated, chased away from the place where I longed to be, simply because my family couldn’t afford the fees.
The cycle repeated itself in secondary school, the same haunting cycle of financial struggle overshadowing my academic journey. But I refused to succumb to despair. I fought harder, pushing myself to excel despite the odds stacked against me. Yet, even as I persevered, the burden of poverty weighed heavy on my shoulders, casting a shadow over my aspirations.
University offered a glimmer of hope, a chance to break free from the constraints of poverty. But reality hit hard as I struggled to afford even the most basic necessities. I became a soda vendor, sachet water seller, fertilizer vendor and vegetable hawker. The meagre profits are barely enough to cover my tuition fees, let alone the cost of textbooks. I watched my peers breezed through their studies, unhindered by financial worries that consumed every waking moment of my life and just wished to be them.
But amidst the darkness, there was resilience. There was a fire within me that refused to be extinguished, a determination to defy the odds and carve out a future for myself. I refused to let poverty define me or dictate my destiny. And so, I fought on, fueled by the belief that education was not just a privilege but a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
After my undergraduate study, a beacon of hope emerged during my pursuit of a master’s degree. For the first time, the burden of financial constraints was lifted from my shoulders, thanks to a scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. With this support, I embarked on a journey to the University of Edinburgh, where I was able to pursue my master’s studies without the nagging worry of tuition fees or the constant struggle to afford study materials. It was a transformative experience, one that not only shaped my academic journey but also instilled in me a newfound sense of empowerment and possibility. I am now a graduate, a woman who is financially independent, a woman with knowledge, a woman with substance who knows what she is worth, thanks to the power of education.
My story is but one thread in the web of girls whose potential is stifled by the chains of poverty. It is a sobering reminder of the stark realities faced by millions around the world, where access to education remains a distant dream for far too many. But it is also a call to action, a rallying cry for change. We cannot afford to stand idly by while generations of girls are robbed of their right to education. We must confront the systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty and perpetuate gender discrimination. We must invest in initiatives that provide financial assistance to marginalised communities, breaking down the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education.
But our efforts cannot stop there. We must also challenge entrenched attitudes and norms that devalue the education of girls, advocating for gender equality in all spheres of society. We must empower girls with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, creating opportunities for them to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Education is not just a pathway out of poverty; it is a catalyst for change, a powerful force that has the potential to transform lives and build a better world for all. But to unleash its full potential, we must first dismantle the barriers that stand in the way. My journey is proof of the resilience of a girl child, but it should not have to be a struggle. Together, we can and must create a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of her background or circumstances. At EMTAG Foundation, we are ready to change this. Support us and together we will change the world.
Written by Solace Ojotule Okeyi