Education
122 million girls are out of school, including 34 million of primary school age, and 87 million of secondary school age.
Poverty remains the single most important factor determining whether girls can access and complete education. In twenty countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, plus Belize, Haiti, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea, less than 1% of young women living in rural places from the poorest 20% of households complete secondary school.
Cultural barriers compound these economic challenges. Traditional gender roles expect girls to prioritize household chores and caregiving over formal education, while between 10-30% of girls dropping out can be attributed to early marriage or pregnancy.
Geographical isolation creates additional barriers, particularly for girls living in rural areas who face long distances to schools, inadequate transportation, and safety risks. Many rural schools lack proper infrastructure, trained teachers, and basic facilities like gender-specific toilets and menstrual hygiene management resources. In India alone, 23 million girls drop out annually due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities in schools.
The School Leavers Mentorship Scheme evolved from the Ghartey Dove Girls Project. It is designed to support young women in Ghana, aged 18 and above, who are leaving the education system and facing an uncertain future.
For many school leavers, the transition into adulthood is filled with challenges. Some may have narrowly missed out on university offers, while others may not yet know what path to pursue. Without the right support, these young women risk falling through the cracks at a crucial stage of life. The School Leavers Mentorship Scheme exists to ensure that they are not left behind.
By connecting these young women with female professionals across the UK and US, the programme provides them with role models, networks and personalised guidance. Mentors will help mentees explore their options, build confidence, and develop practical skills – empowering them to find meaningful opportunities in higher education, vocational training, employment, or entrepreneurship.
The programme runs for 3-6 months at a minimum.
For Mentors
We are seeking professional women from all sectors of the private sector who are committed to supporting the next generation. As a mentor, you will:
Offer one-to-one support tailored to the needs of your mentee.
Share your experiences and practical advice on navigating education, work, and life decisions.
Encourage resilience, ambition, and self-belief in young women who may feel unsure about their next steps. The programme is flexible around your work commitments.
For Mentees
This programme is open to girls aged 18+ in Ghana who are leaving the school system without a clear pathway forward. If you have missed out on university offers, are uncertain about your career direction, or are struggling to find the right next step, the School Leavers Mentorship Scheme can connect you to a mentor who will help guide you. You will:
Gain access to female professionals from a wide range of industries.
Receive practical guidance on opportunities in higher education, training, and employment.
Build confidence and skills to take the next step towards independence and growth.
For Schools and Communities
We are inviting schools and community organisations across Ghana to partner with us by nominating eligible students who would benefit from this scheme. Together, we can ensure that young women are given the tools and support they need at this critical transition point.
Get Involved
If you are a female professional interested in becoming a mentor, or if you represent a school or community organisation that would like to nominate young women for the programme, please contact us. By working together, we can transform uncertainty into opportunity and build a stronger future for girls who are ready to take their next step.