**Strengthening the empowerment of girls in Kasai: a strategic challenge for the future**
The announcement by the non-governmental organization Initiative pour le Développement Intégral (IDI ASBL) concerning its commitment to identify all girls benefiting from the scholarship in the provincial sub-divisions of national education EDU-NC Kasai 1 is much more than a simple initiative. In a context where gender inequalities persist and are amplified by socio-economic factors, this girls’ learning and empowerment project (PAAF) deserves special attention.
### A complicated context for girls’ education
In Kasai, as in many regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, access to education for girls remains a challenge. According to UNESCO data, nearly 60% of school-age girls are not enrolled in school in some rural areas. The causes are multiple: early marriages, gender inequalities in access to educational resources, and often inadequate school structures. Initiatives like the PAAF can be seen as glimmers of hope in an often bleak picture.
### The importance of beneficiary identification
The process of beneficiary identification is crucial to the success of the program. By aiming to include all girls, even those who were unable to be present during the first phase, IDI ASBL ensures that equal access to education is respected. In doing so, it paves the way for true empowerment, as education is inseparable from personal and collective development. Concerns about this identification should not be underestimated. Parents, students and teachers must understand that equitable access to this scholarship can transform lives and entire communities.
### An inclusive and participatory approach
By integrating the voices of parents and schools into the process, IDI ASBL adopts a more inclusive and participatory approach, essential for a project that aims to be sustainable. Indeed, the mobilization of different community actors is an effective strategy to overcome resistance and possible skepticism towards education programs. It also helps to align families’ expectations with the objectives of the PAAF.
### The socio-economic impact of quality education
Investing in girls’ education is not just about improving school indicators. The benefits extend well beyond the school walls. According to a World Bank study, each additional year of schooling for a girl increases her earning potential by 10 to 20% compared to her peers who are not in school. In addition, an educated woman is more likely to make informed decisions about her health, marriage and the education of her own children.. By limiting the PAAF to the first phase and anticipating the transition to the second, we can envisage a long-term societal transformation in Kasai.
### A model to consider at the national and international levels
While these initiatives must be adapted to local contexts, they could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. Kasai, through the PAAF, could become an example of how NGOs can collaborate with local governments to propose viable solutions to persistent inequalities. This collaborative model, once tested, could also attract the attention of international organizations wishing to finance projects supporting girls’ education on a larger scale.
### Conclusion: a step towards radical change
The PAAF project is not limited to simply granting scholarships. It is part of a broader framework of social transformation and women’s empowerment in Kasai. The efforts of IDI ASBL and stakeholders are significant steps towards a future where girls will not only be able to access education, but also realize their full potential. It is essential that this dynamic is supported by strengthened public policies and community initiatives, because education is undoubtedly one of the best investments to break the cycle of poverty and create a sustainable future for all.
Thus, the PAAF project could be the catalyst for a change in mentality, essential to forge a more equitable and educational society for all girls in Kasai.
By Fatshimetrie.