Leaders in Nwoya District are urging TotalEnergies E&P to broaden its scholarship scheme to include boys alongside girls, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in education.
Since 2015, TotalEnergies E&P has supported girls in the Tilenga Oil Project area of Nwoya and Buliisa districts through its Girl Child scholarship program. However, officials in Nwoya District highlight concerns regarding the exclusion of boys from this initiative.
Philip Oryema, acting Nwoya District Education Officer, acknowledges the positive impact of sponsoring girls’ education but expresses worry over a decline in boys’ enrollment for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) due to the perceived favoritism towards girls in scholarship opportunities.
Statistics from the district Education department indicate a decrease in the number of boys sitting for PLE over the past two years, contrasting with a rise in girls’ participation.
During an orientation meeting for beneficiaries of the TotalEnergies E&P Girl Child scholarship program, Oryema appealed for inclusivity, advocating for opportunities to be extended to boys as well.
While praising TotalEnergies E&P for their support to bright and vulnerable girls, Moses Holy Ojok, Nwoya District Vice Chairperson, underscores the consequences of excluding boys from educational opportunities, leading to increased dropout rates and social issues.
Christopher Ochowun, TotalEnergies E&P Public Relations and Public Affairs Coordinator, acknowledges the concerns raised and commits to discussing the possibility of including boys in the scholarship program. He emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusive education and notes the program’s evolution from its inception in 2013.
The scholarship program, initially targeting students joining ordinary and advanced levels of education, has benefitted 250 students to date. Nwoya leaders continue to advocate for gender equity in educational opportunities, ensuring all children have access to quality education regardless of gender.
