School Improvement Plans Contributes to Girls Education at Beladulo School of Dewe Woreda.

Abedu Endris Adem, the Beladulo School’s SIP was developed through a participatory approach by a committee with a composition of school leaders, PTSAs and girls club head, and with representatives from Dewe Woreda education office, and parents. Each group was given responsibilities to carry out the development and implementation of the plan.   In line with, regular progress review meetings were done based on the pre-scheduled program. The priorities identified in the Beladulo School’s SIP were selected based on data collected from questionnaires, end to end with key takeout from discussions among school community members. This strong emphasis on data contributes to evidence-based planning and decision making at school level; while holding schools more accountable and responsible to provide equitable educational access for those excluded community groups.  

As mentioned, the Beladulo School outlined three key priorities in its school improvement program that to be achieved; improving girls’ education, access to education for children with special needs, and builds a conducive learning environment in the School. Because, disadvantaged groups of pastoral community – including girls – faces multiple barriers to access quality education. Therefore, the Beladulo School launched initiatives to encourage them to enroll, stay, and complete school through a joint collaboration of Afar Community Initiative Sustainable Development Association and with TARGET/ESIP project.
To improve girls’ education, the Beladulo primary school established a menstrual hygienic counseling support and FGM/C health implication guidance in girls’ club and by the assigned safeguarding focal person.
In this regards, the female teacher focal person providing a space where girls could manage their period in a comfortable way while preventing them from missing school days. Overseen by female teachers working in learning shifts, the assistance allows girls to take a break, rest, and change their clothes if necessary. Moreover, if the health condition of the girls’ student may go to growth serious illness, the referral path way has created and linked to the nearest government health post or health center for further treatment.