Eureka! Daphine stands up for her science rights
At just 21, Daphine’s story is a testament to resilience, empowerment and the transformative power of education.
She has been a part of Awamu’s community since the age of five and, despite facing countless challenges, is determined to change the future for herself and her family. Her goal? To become a science teacher, breaking gender stereotypes along the way.
“It gives me joy when I'm teaching my fellow students new concepts… I know many students face challenges, so if you teach, you can also act as a counsellor or mentor to change some students’ lives,” Daphine says.
Breaking gender stereotypes in education
In many parts of the world, including Daphine’s community, girls’ education often takes a backseat. Girls are not seen as a priority for schooling, and even when they do attend school, they’re discouraged from pursuing subjects like science.
But Daphine is leading the way for others. With support from Awamu, she’s defying these expectations and building her future in science.
“Where I live, it’s a struggle for a girl to get an education. Families don’t have the money for school, and if they do, girls aren’t the priority. And if girls get to school, they’re told they can’t do science. But Awamu gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams,” she explains.
Now, Daphine’s success in the sciences has inspired her friends to challenge the same outdated stereotypes.
“Some of my friends have chosen science too because they’ve seen me do it. I’ve helped them change their attitudes and believe it’s possible,” she says.
Supporting her community and family
Daphine’s success goes beyond just academics. Now at university, she works as a peer counsellor, supporting other girls on their educational journeys. She is also training to be a Community Mentor, giving back to the community that helped her succeed.
Awamu’s impact also extends to Daphine’s family. Her aunt, Sarah, who adopted and raised her, has been another beneficiary of Awamu’s support. Sarah, a Community Volunteer, has not only cared for Daphine but has also adopted four other orphaned children from the community. Despite facing her own struggles, she’s providing a loving home for them all.
“She used to come home sad, without any hope… but now, she works hard, she’s confident and she’s able to provide for us,” Daphine shares.
Thanks to the support and skills she gained through Awamu’s programmes, Sarah is now building a new five-room house for her family—something she never thought possible.
“Awamu has given our family a future.” Daphine explains.
How your support is changing lives
Daphine’s story is a powerful reminder that supporting girls’ education has a ripple effect, impacting entire families and communities.
It takes time and commitment to see real, lasting change, but thanks to your generosity, girls like Daphine are not only transforming their own lives but are also inspiring others to break free from gender stereotypes and stand up for what they want. Thank you.
P.S. If you’d like to see Sarah’s beautiful beads, they are part of a special Scotland Map jewellery collection, created through our partnership with Crafting Together. Every piece tells a story of skills development and empowerment—from Clydebank to Kampala.
PPS. If you feel inspired to help keep girls like Daphine in school, you can chip in with a donation here.
