April 2025 — On October 25, 2024, the Gelaelo sub-zone in the Northern Red Sea region of Eritrea, a transformative event was rolled out: the "Girls Back to School" campaign. This initiative, aimed at promoting female education, brought together community leaders, educators, parents, and students in a collective effort to ensure that every girl has the right and opportunity to receive an education. The campaign focused on addressing the barriers that often prevent girls from attending school, such as cultural norms, economic challenges, and the low perceived importance of education for girls. Through a series of engaging activities, including workshops, motivational speeches, and interactive sessions, the campaign highlighted the critical role that educated girls play in the development of their communities and the nation as a whole. These activities served as a call to action for communities to prioritize education for girls as a critical right and social norm.

"Seeing the enthusiasm and determination of these young girls is truly inspiring," said Mr. Mahmud Ibrahim, the administrator of the Gel’alo sub-zone. "Their education is the key to our community's progress, and we must do everything we can to support them."

Key Moments and Activities

One of the key moments of the event was a powerful speech by a local female educator, who shared her own journey of overcoming obstacles to achieve academic success. “As a woman who faced many obstacles to get an education, I see myself in these girls, and I know how crucial it is to support our girls," said Ms. Amina. "This campaign is not just about getting girls back to school; it's about changing mindsets and creating a future where every girl can achieve her potential." Her story resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring many parents to commit to sending their daughters to school.

The campaign also featured a vibrant cultural program, showcasing traditional music and dance, which added a festive atmosphere to the event. This celebration of culture and education underscored the message that educating girls is not only beneficial for their personal growth but also enriches the entire community.

Community Engagement and Support

The success of the "Girls Back to School" campaign was largely due to the active involvement of various community stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, educators, parents, and families. Local government officials played a crucial role in organizing and supporting the event. Their commitment to improving educational access and gender equality was evident in their speeches and participation throughout the day. Additionally, the campaign received significant support from UNICEF, which has been a steadfast advocate for girls' education globally. UNICEF's contributions were instrumental in the campaign's success. They provided educational materials, including student kits and teacher kits, which ensured that girls had the necessary resources to start their school year. UNICEF also organized awareness sessions to educate parents and community members about the importance of girls' education. Their collaboration with local authorities helped to address the reluctance of some parents to send their daughters to school, particularly to boarding schools for junior and secondary education.

Expanded Activities and Outreach

The campaign included a variety of activities designed to engage and promote the importance of educated girls and women to the community. Workshops were held to discuss the benefits of girls' education and strategies to overcome common barriers. These workshops were attended by parents, teachers, and community leaders, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone could contribute ideas and solutions.

Interactive sessions with students provided a platform for girls to express their aspirations and challenges. These sessions were crucial in building confidence and encouraging open dialogue about the importance of education. The involvement of successful female role models from the community further motivated the girls to pursue their educational goals.

“I dream of becoming a doctor one day," said 13-year-old Selam. "These sessions helped me believe that my dreams can come true. Seeing other women from my community succeed gives me hope."

Impact and Future Goals

The "Girls Back to School" campaign in Gelaelo sub-zone was more than just an event; it was a movement towards a brighter, more equitable future. By empowering girls through education, the community is taking a significant step towards sustainable development and gender equality. The campaign's success has set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at improving female education in the region.