Sandra has found a new passion for life despite dropping out of school at age 11. By learning motor mechanics, she hopes to be a role model for out-of-school single mothers like herself.
Sandra, is a 16-year-old girl living in Harare. Her father left when she was a toddler and made no efforts to stay in touch with Sandra and her siblings. At the age of 11 Sandra dropped out of school because her mother could no longer afford her fees. At 14, she found herself in an abusive relationship and got trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence. Unlike most girls in her situation, Sandra’s mother did not want to see her daughter suffer at the hands of her partner and demanded her return home. Sandra now lives with her mother, her daughter (7 months old) and 2 siblings – an older brother aged 25 and a younger sister aged 4.
Back at home with her parents Sandra interacted with old friends, some who like her had dropped out of school. It is in one of these social interactions that Sandra learnt about a project called SAGE, implemented by Plan International and its partners, to ensure out-of-school girls have access to education and can attain basic numeracy and literacy skills. Sandra took time to understand how the project works and enrolled, solidifying her plan to get an education and acquire skills that would relive her and her family of their financial burdens.
“I admire the girls who completed and graduated from SAGE. Some of them are doing exceptionally well, and their lives have changed for the better. I want that for myself!” shared Sandra.
“I admire the girls who completed and graduated from SAGE. Some of them are doing exceptionally well, and their lives have changed for the better. I want that for myself!”
Sandra, 16
Returning to education
In the 3 months she has been attending classes, Sandra has noted significant changes in her confidence levels. She can now understand basic math problems and reads at a higher level than before. Sandra’s excitement is mainly focused on the vocational training component offered by the project. She has already expressed that she intends to go for mechanics, a male dominated industry that most girls would shy away from.
“I cannot wait to start my vocational training skills journey as a motor mechanic. I will now be able to take care of my family,” said Sandra with excitement.
“I cannot wait to start my vocational training skills journey as a motor mechanic. I will now be able to take care of my family.”
Sandra
Sandra dreams of a future where she can support her family financially. She wants to ensure her daughter and siblings do not endure the same hardships she faced. To date, Sandra has connected with other mothers in her community and hopes to be a role model, not only for her siblings but for other underaged single mothers who dropped out of school.
About the project
The Plan International and partners SAGE project, provides out-of-school girls with access to education so they can attain basic numeracy and literacy skills. The project is in its second phase and 5027 girls are currently enrolled. Out of the 5027 leaners enrolled under SAGE across 11 districts, 23% are married girls, 28.6% are young mothers, 62.5% are from the Apostolic sect, 8.1% are girls with disabilities, 4.8% are girls from ethnic minorities, 2.5% have never been to school, and 4.2% are engaged in labour.
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