Access to education shapes the futures of children and uplifts entire communities by breaking cycles of poverty and fostering sustainable development. Yet, in many low-income countries, children continue to face significant barriers to learning. As of 2024, the UN estimates that 251 million children are out of school worldwide, with around 98 million children in sub-Saharan Africa. Geneva Global’s Speed School program mitigates obstacles to education in Ethiopia and Uganda, giving children the opportunity to return to the classroom and change the trajectory of their lives and the quality of their communities.
To commemorate the International Day of Education, we’ve compiled powerful testimonials from the mothers and guardians of Speed School students in both countries. They recall their own plights with education and highlight the profound effect Speed School has had on their children and communities. These stories provide a firsthand look at how education is improving lives by breaking chains of generational poverty and offering hope and stability for entire communities.
For many parents, barriers to education are all too familiar. Nangobi Gertrude, a mother from Uganda, shares her own struggles traveling to school as a young girl.
“When I was a child, I had to walk eight kilometers to school. Many times, I would arrive exhausted. Eight kilometers are not good for a child to walk to school. Even if I lived next door to school, I believe my opportunities would still have been limited because I was a girl. Boys were prioritized for education in my community.”
Nangobi’s struggles echo the experiences of many. Long distances, financial hardships and cultural norms have long stood in the way of education, especially for girls. But today, she sees a different future for her son.
“I had lost faith in education with my first two children. But with my third child in Speed School, my faith is restored. He has learned so much and loves school. I am motivated to look for the money to support him to continue his schooling.”
For Kibitu Etefa, a mother from Ethiopia, the challenges were different but no less daunting. She reflects on her experience of being neglected at school due to her disability, highlighting the need for an inclusive education.
“When I was a child, I couldn’t go to school because of my physical disability. Schools didn’t have what I needed, and no one understood how to help children like me. My family also didn’t have enough money to make school a priority. Because of this, I never went to school, and I still can’t read or write. This makes me feel very angry and upset. If schools had ramps, accessible classrooms, and teachers who knew how to support children like me, my life could have been different.”
Martha Alio, another mother from Uganda, notes how the education system has evolved since her childhood.
“At least the number of teachers has increased in schools compared to our time. Most of the teachers were untrained and from the community, unlike today. Education was not compulsory in our time; it was the choice of a parent, unlike today where the government enforces Universal Primary Education laws in all villages. Even so, now that I see what education has done for my child, I would send them every time, with or without government enforcement.”
Martha sees Speed School as a pivotal improvement over her own educational experience.
“The children learn many things, including different skills, and this makes it different from government classes. The program has taught my child to read, write, and speak English with confidence. She now greets and welcomes people without shying away. My child never loved attending school regularly until she joined Speed School. Now, she goes to school early every day without being forced.”
Another Ethiopian mother, Tadalu Birku, reflects on poverty and societal expectations that kept her from completing her education. Growing up in a rural farming family, she faced many obstacles.
“I was living in a rural area where school was not in our locality. Growing up in a countryside farming family, I faced many challenges in accessing education. Schools were far away, and I had to walk long distances to get there. Often, we didn’t have enough money for school supplies or uniforms. Additionally, as a girl, societal expectations prioritized household chores over education. My family’s financial situation meant that education was often considered a luxury rather than a necessity. There were days when I had to stay home to help with the farm or take care of my younger siblings. These challenges led to my dropping out of school after grade six, and I was married at 19 years old, a common fate for many girls in my community at the time. I believe that if we had access to a school with proper infrastructure and well-trained teachers, my story might have been different.”
But Tadalu’s story doesn’t end there. Through Speed School, she’s witnessing a shift in her community’s attitudes toward education.
“Due to the ongoing war, my child had no access to school and stayed home for three years with no education. After relocating, I found this school that allowed my child to learn. She joined the school, and after a year, she has now successfully joined with her peers and doesn’t feel left behind, all thanks to Speed School. She can read, write, and comprehend like her friends, and I am so happy about that. I believe that with access to schools and well-trained teachers, my children will have better opportunities,”
These mothers’ voices speak to the heart of what makes education transformative. It’s not just about academic learning—it’s about hope, opportunity, and breaking the cycle of poverty. Speed School doesn’t just teach children; it uplifts families and entire communities by addressing barriers like infrastructure, financial hardship, and gender inequality.
Gertrude of Uganda reflects further on how Speed School has changed her son’s educational experience.
“My son loves school. The teachers treat him well and the smaller groups in Speed School suit him better than the bigger numbers in Primary 4. He asks us a lot of questions now and shares ideas in class. Sometimes when I visit the school, I see them discussing things confidently—something I never experienced in my own schooling.”
Lastly, Gertrude’s reflections resonate with Mrs. Nekesa Esther from Uganda, who states very simply:
“Education is the key to unlocking a better life. It opens doors to new opportunities, helps you acquire valuable skills, and allows you to make informed decisions. My child will undoubtedly have a brighter future with education.”
As we celebrate International Day of Education, let us remember stories of mothers like Nangobi, Kibitu, Tadalu, Martha, Gertrude, and Nekesa. Their resilience, hope, and efforts for their children’s future remind us of the transformative power of education. Programs like Speed School make this possible, addressing barriers and creating opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive.