Thank you to Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF) and all the Clubs listed below for their contributions.
As we celebrate International Day of Education in 2025, Soroptimist International Africa Federation proudly highlights its impactful initiatives in lifelong learning, vocational training, and scholarship awards that are changing lives across the continent.
Scholarship and excellence awards: recognising potential, inspiring change
Soroptimist International (SI) Clubs foster opportunities through education, providing scholarships and awards to support girls and young women in achieving their academic and career goals.
These scholarships ease financial burdens, motivate excellence, and equip young women to play an active role in community and national development.
SI Club Yaoundé, Cameroon, leads the way by empowering young women to excel in science and leadership.
Recent recipients include:
- Hawa Lea Nouria Wule: a second-year medical student excelling in her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé
- Fatoumata Shamsia: a civil engineering student breaking barrier in a traditionally male-dominated field
- Momo Jennifer: Pharmacologist at the School of Medicine, Yaoundé
Photo: Momo Jennifer
Similarly, SI Club Kisumu, Kenya supports education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, enabling students like:
- Mercy Adhiambo: studying Microbiology and Molecular Biology
- Lovenda Cherono: studying for a Diploma in Clinical Medicine
- Hannah Oleko: pursuing Industrial Chemistry
- Quinter Achieng: a Computer Science graduate, who is now contributing to her community as a Soroptimist
Photo: Quinter Achieng
Through their education, these young women are challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.
Professional & Vocational Training: Equipping Women for Economic Independence
Vocational training programmess run by Soroptimist Clubs in Africa equip women and older girls with marketable skills, enabling them to achieve financial independence and lead dignified lives.
Empowering through Plastic Waste Recycling – SI Club Alliance Tombouctou, Mali
In partnership with Association Gouna Tière, the SI Club Alliance Tombouctou empowers women through a unique initiative that turns plastic waste into economic opportunities. Participants are trained to recycle over three tons of waste into products like decorative baskets, tiles, and creative crafts.
The project benefits women by:
- Providing them with vocational skills in recycling and craftsmanship
- Generating income through the sale of eco-friendly products
- Promoting environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste.
By aligning with SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 13 (Climate Action), the project equips women with lifelong skills, fostering environmental sustainability and driving economic progress.
Innovative Training in Madagascar – SI Club Toamasina, Madagascar
The SI Club Toamasina focuses on empowering young women through sewing, business communication and computer training. A key feature of the programme is the production of reusable sanitary napkins, tackling menstrual health challenges while promoting entrepreneurship.
The initiative benefits women by:
- Improving community health by providing affordable sanitary products
- Generating income through the production and sale of reusable products
- Developing entrepreneurial skills that foster long-term sustainability
SI Yaoundé Club’s Soap Production Training – Cameroon
In collaboration with the CREAM Foundation, SI Yaoundé Club provides vulnerable women, including widows, displaced people and neglected wiveswith training in soap production. Over two weeks, 12 women were taught to make multi-purpose liquid soap, powder detergent and perfumes, supported by a financial grant of 850 USD to kick start their businesses.
The project benefits women by:
- Providing women with practical skills to generate income.
- Reducing poverty by fostering opportunities for financial independence.
- Encouraging the use of sustainable, eco-friendly products.
By aligning with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the initiative empowers women to overcome socio-economic challenges and build better futures for their families.
Sustainability and Impact
These financial awards and Club initiatives exemplify the core mission of Soroptimist International: to Educate, Empower, and Enable women and girls worldwide. By providing vocational training, promoting environmental sustainability, and awarding scholarships, these programmes open doors to lifelong learning and drive sustainable development.
From Mali’s plastic recycling project to transformative scholarships in Cameroon and Kenya, these stories highlight education’s ability to dismantle barriers and build resilience. Each success inspires others, as empowered women become role models, sparking a ripple effect that strengthens communities and inspires generations to come.
On this International Day of Education, SIAF celebrates these remarkable achievements and reaffirm its commitment to advancing lifelong learning opportunities for women and girls everywhere.
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