SHANITA, a non-governmental organisation operating in Karamoja, has awarded scholarships to 40 girls from the minority Tepeth tribe in Moroto.
The scholarship recipients hail from remote mountain areas, particularly Mount Moroto, where homes are tucked away in hard-to-reach locations with no road access. Many of these girls have faced daunting challenges, including child labor, early marriage, and the threat of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Most of the beneficiaries were selected from the villages of Musas and Kondonyo in Tapac Sub County, Moroto.
Before their admission, SHANITA ensured that the school dormitories were fully renovated and furnished with brand-new beds. Each beneficiary received a comprehensive education package, including scholastic materials, a school bag and uniform, accommodation within the school premises, daily hot meals, and medical care.
Speaking to Nile Post, SHANITA Founder and CEO Lior Sperandeo reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering young girls in Karamoja.
“Every girl deserves the chance to rise above her conditions, regardless of her background or tribe. We are determined to empower these young women to rewrite their stories, transform their lives, and uplift their communities,” he stated.
In Karamoja, education is increasingly being recognised as a key tool for change. Through programs like SHANITA’s Girls’ Education Initiative, young girls now have the opportunity to break free from harmful traditions and build a brighter future.
So far, SHANITA has provided scholarships to 295 children—both boys and girls—across four primary schools in Karamoja, with plans to expand support as the organisation grows.
Moroto District Education Officer Markson Akol Ojao praised SHANITA for investing in the future of children in Karamoja.
“This program is giving hope to children who would otherwise be lost to early marriage and child labor. If more funders support such initiatives, Karamoja will see a brighter future,” he said.
With such efforts gaining momentum, hope is rising for the children of Karamoja, ensuring they, too, can dream of a future beyond societal limitations.