A total of 482 beneficiaries of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda’s Higher Education Access Program (HEAP) have qualified to join undergraduate degree programs after completing the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC). As universities prepare to admit them, most of the successful students will pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.
The graduates from 65 distracts were celebrated during a two-day transition workshop held at Uganda Technical College, Lira. Susan Opok Tumusime, the Executive Director of FAWE Uganda, said the program is designed to give young people a second chance to pursue higher education after many miss out on university admission because they fail to attain the required A-Level grades.
“In this academic year, we are taking about 800 students out of which, 400 are joining Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other 400 are joining university,” she added. She cautioned students especially girls against negative peer pressure and short-term temptations that could jeopardize their education and future ambitions.
Tony Acwera, the Lira District Inspector of Schools and FAWE’s Lira District Coordinator, commended the initiative, saying it is transforming the lives of young people by giving them a second chance to pursue education and build a better future.
According to Acwera “Most of the families we visited are extremely vulnerable. It reaches a point where they cannot afford school fees or even provide enough food for their children.”
Acwera said education remains the key to achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040, adding that investing in learners today is essential to building a skilled, productive and prosperous nation.
Some of the beneficiaries shared their experiences.Rita Akullu, who studied Physics, Economics and Mathematics at A ‘Level, said she had lost hope after receiving her results because she did not attain the grades required to join university. She said the constant criticism from people around her left her feeling demoralized and uncertain about her future.
“I thought I would not be able to join University but after completing the one-year bridging course, I can now join any university for my engineering course.” Akullo added.
Glancy Amongi, who completed her bridging course from Kumi University, recalled spending a year at home with little hope after failing to attain the required A-Level grades for university admission.
“My dreams were revived when FAWE Uganda offered me an opportunity to pursue higher education because i felt like an outcast in my community when i got my results.” Amongi said. Since the launch of HEAP Phase Two in 2024, FAWE says the program has expanded from 50 to 65 districts and aims to support 2,000 young people by 2030-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
