Youth in West Nile are set to benefit from a new campaign designed to challenge harmful gender and social norms that have impacted the education of adolescent boys and girls across the region. The “Olu Alu” campaign, meaning “You can – We can,” was launched by a group of adolescents aged 13 to 24 in the districts of Moyo and Obongi in 2019. It was created to address the challenges faced by youth during the COVID-19 lockdown and is now supported by Restless Development and the Aga Khan Foundation.
Initially focused on Moyo and Obongi, the campaign has expanded to include Arua city and Yumbe district, with adolescent change agents leading efforts to address adolescent-related challenges such as early marriage, school dropout, and gender-based violence.
During the campaign launch in Arua city on January 21, 2024, Asijo Sharon, the campaign team leader from Obongi district, emphasized that the initiative seeks to ensure zero school dropouts and no early marriages in the community.
“We want to ensure zero school dropouts, zero early marriages, and zero gender-based violence in our communities,” said Asijo Sharon. “This campaign is focused on tackling the issues caused by early marriages, drug abuse, and school dropout.”
Olu Alu Campaign to advance to more areas
Elema Justus Oloto, chairperson of the Ayivu Division Head Teachers’ Association and headteacher at Pokea Primary School, called for increased parental involvement in the campaign. “As parents, we have neglected our responsibilities and overlooked these children. We must work together with teachers to support and guide them,” he said.
Ronald Drani, Senior Education Officer for Ayivu Division, expressed hope that the campaign would reach more areas in the district and address critical issues such as teenage pregnancies and school dropouts. “Education alone cannot solve these challenges. The campaign has already made a positive impact on curriculum implementation and reduced dropout rates, and we urge continued action to address these issues,” Drani stated.
Mugomba Geoffrey, Town Clerk for Ayivu Division, praised the initiative but reminded the community of their responsibility to ensure its sustainability. “It’s unfortunate that more girls drop out of school than boys. While external partners will continue to support the district, it is our role to sustain these interventions,” he said.
Joseph Afeti, Deputy Mayor of Ayivu, emphasized the importance of securing a future for the youth. “We must prioritize the education of both girls and boys. If a girl gets pregnant, we should not send her to marry. Similarly, we should not encourage boys to abandon school to ride motorcycles,” Afeti said, urging youth leaders to report challenges to the appropriate authorities.
The campaign’s impact is growing, as it continues to challenge norms and work toward a brighter future for young people across West Nile.
