Bring her back to School
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- Bring her back to School
The Story and Purpose of the Project
The project was conceived in response to the persistent barriers that prevent many girls from continuing their education. In several communities, economic hardship, social expectations and limited opportunities often lead to girls leaving school at an early age. Recognising the transformative potential of sport as a tool for engagement and empowerment, the initiative seeks to create a pathway that reconnects girls with education while strengthening their confidence, leadership and life skills.
Through a combination of educational support and structured sport activities, the project aims to provide girls with a safe and motivating environment in which they can return to school, develop physically and socially, and build aspirations for the future. Basketball and other team-based activities serve not only as a training opportunity but also as a platform to promote discipline, teamwork, resilience and self-belief. At the same time, the project works with families, schools and local stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of girls’ education and gender equality.
Ultimately, the initiative seeks to contribute to a broader shift in attitudes and opportunities for young girls. By supporting their return to school and investing in their personal development, the project aims to reduce gender inequalities and enable girls to become active participants in their communities. Through sport, education and mentorship, it promotes a model of empowerment that can be replicated and scaled in other contexts.
Impact
- Increased school retention and re-enrolment of girls, contributing to improved access to quality education and reduced gender disparities in participating communities.
- Strengthened confidence, leadership and life skills among young girls through regular sport participation, mentoring and teamwork-based activities.
- Greater awareness among families and communities on the importance of girls’ education and gender equality, helping to address social barriers that contribute to school dropout.
- Improved access to safe sport and learning environments, including better use of school facilities and equipment to support both education and physical activity.
Achievements to date
with full support for school fees and learning materials
strengthening girls’ confidence, leadership skills and teamwork capacities
promoting the importance of girls’ education and gender equality
Stories of Impact
Alexandra, 16, had stopped attending school after her family could no longer afford the costs associated with her education. Like many girls in her community, she was expected to remain at home and help with household responsibilities. When the project began its outreach activities, Alexandra was selected as one of the beneficiaries and received support to return to school, along with the opportunity to participate in the basketball training sessions organised through the programme. Over time, sport became a powerful source of motivation for her. It helped her rebuild confidence, develop discipline and reconnect with learning. Today, Alexandra is once again attending school regularly and has become one of the most committed participants in the programme. Through the mentorship and teamwork fostered by the sport activities, she has developed leadership skills and now encourages other girls in her neighbourhood to stay in school. For her family as well, the project helped change perceptions about the importance of educating girls and the positive role that sport can play in their development.
Who We Are
- Lead organisation: Tous EGO par le sport
- Team: Volunteers, coaches, school teachers and supporters
- Location: Benin
