The Suudu Baaba Foundation has made significant strides in promoting education within Fulbe communities, particularly for girls. Following their intervention, many Fulbe parents have started enrolling their children in schools, with a notable increase in the enrolment of girls. This effort is crucial as child marriage, although on the decline in Ghana over the past decade, remains a significant issue among the Fulbe communities.
Traditionally, Fulbe parents were hesitant to send their daughters to school due to cultural beliefs and practices. These practices often led to girls being married off at a young age in exchange for a dowry or bride price, providing financial relief to the family. This cultural norm posed a significant barrier to the education of girls, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limiting opportunities for these young women.
In partnership with the STAR-Ghana Foundation’s Action for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) project, the Suudu Baaba Foundation is working to change this narrative. Their collaborative efforts focus on increasing the enrollment and retention of Fulbe girls in schools across several districts, including Asante Akim North, Sekyere Kumawu, and Ejura/Sekyedumase.
During a recent monitoring and story-gathering visit by a team from STAR-Ghana, it was evident that Suudu Baaba’s advocacy efforts are yielding positive results. In these districts, Fulbe girls are now not only being enrolled in schools but are also being retained, marking a significant shift in community attitudes towards girls' education.
In Woraso, a community in the Asante Mampong Municipal, the impact of Suudu Baaba’s work is palpable. A parent, Abiba Bukari, shared her experience, highlighting the transformative effect of the foundation’s advocacy and educational programs. “Through the advocacy and education by Suudu Baaba, I have enrolled my girls in school. I hope for a better future for them,” she stated. This sentiment is echoed by many parents in the region who are beginning to see the value of education for their daughters.
Abiba Bukari, A Fulbe mother
The Suudu Baaba Foundation's approach involves engaging with community leaders, parents, and the girls themselves to address the root causes of school dropout rates and early marriage. They conduct sensitization programs that challenge existing cultural norms and promote the benefits of education. By doing so, they are not only increasing school enrollments but are also fostering a more inclusive and progressive mindset within these communities.
The collaboration with the STAR-Ghana Foundation has provided Suudu Baaba with the necessary resources and support to expand their reach and impact. The AVID project, in particular, has been instrumental in amplifying their advocacy efforts and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and considered in development initiatives.
As a result of these combined efforts, there is a growing sense of optimism within the Fulbe communities. Parents are beginning to see education as a viable path to a better future for their children, particularly their daughters. The decline in child marriage rates and the increase in school enrollments are clear indicators of progress.
The Suudu Baaba Foundation, with the support of the STAR-Ghana Foundation, continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Fulbe girl has the opportunity to attend school and achieve her full potential. Their efforts are a testament to the power of advocacy and education in driving social change and improving lives.
Fact sheet
- Suudu Baaba Foundation is a partner of the Action for Voice, Influence and Inclusive Development (AVID) project.
- AVID project aims to improve access to social services and economic resources for #Underserved groups including #fulbes, rural women, persons with disabilities, youth, informal sector workers (market women) and #smallholder/peasant farmers. The project is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.