We make education possible for girls and young women in East Africa.
Who We Are
Founded in 1997, Growth Through Learning (GTL) is a secular organization that supports education and development in East Africa by providing full secondary education scholarships for exceptional young women in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania who would otherwise be unable to afford an education beyond primary school. GTL encourages cross-cultural exchange of information and ideas, especially promoting women’s empowerment in East Africa.
How do we do this?
A GTL scholarship award includes all costs; tuition, uniform, exam fees, school supplies, room and board at a safe, academically rigorous residential school for girls.
Read more about our mission »
2129
Awarded Scholarships within the last 6 years
15
Schools Within The Program
2155
High School Diplomas since 1998
The scholarship program
Kenya
According to the Kenya Demographic Health Surveys (2019), the national secondary school graduation rate for girls stands at 49%. GTL's graduation rate is over 95% a monumental success, upon exiting the program GTL scholars attribute the organization's commitment to supporting all 4 years of their schooling as a great source of motivation.
Tanzania
Just over 1 in 4 girls complete the six years of secondary school education and the country's national graduation rate for girls is 27% ( DHS, 2015) . GTL's graduation rate is over 95%. According to the World Bank, investing in girls education is one of the best efforts Tanzania can make for its long term sustainable development.
Uganda
In Uganda, misconceptions about female education and empowerment are common. The 6 year GTL scholarship program boasts a graduation rate of over 95% higher than the national rate of 14%. ( DHS, 2016).
Testimonials
I am eternally grateful to everyone at GTL and the Donors who made my education possible. I reported to school in February 2010 with only 1,400 shillings for fees, instead of the 33,000 shillings (US $370) I needed. I was taken in because the principal took pity on me. The following day Mr. Godfrey Okello, GTL Western Kenya Coordinator, called me from class and gave me an application for a scholarship to fill out. When I received the first receipt confirming my fees had been paid by GTL, I knew I had to study hard. Now I am at Taita Taveta University in Kenya.
I am eternally grateful to everyone at GTL and the Donors who made my education possible. I reported to school in February 2010 with only 1,400 shillings for fees, instead of the 33,000 shillings (US $370) I needed. I was taken in because the principal took pity on me. The following day Mr. Godfrey Okello, GTL Western Kenya Coordinator, called me from class and gave me an application for a scholarship to fill out. When I received the first receipt confirming my fees had been paid by GTL, I knew I had to study hard. Now I am at Taita Taveta University in Kenya.
I wish to thank the organization very much for the financial help throughout my 4 years course in Kabare Girls’ High School. I successfully completed the course due to your help and support not forgetting through God’s help. Thank you very much for helping out young girls from humble backgrounds around East Africa. God bless the whole GTL community…..thank you so much for your help’.
Thank you GTL and all the donors for the role-played in making sure my future is bright.Through hard work and determination I graduated in November 2014, with first class honors, and I’m currently searching for a job. My career goal is to obtain a Master’s in Information Technology and become a lecturer. I believe being a lecturer will put me in a better position to mentor, inspire and support young women both academically and financially
"My favorite thing about school is that I am given the ability to proceed in my future and an ability to change the lives of my family. I am now a student tutor at school. I want to assist GTL to help others to be role models and leaders too".
Faces From East Africa.
Partner Schools in East Africa
KENYA
Kabare Girls - Kirinyaga County
Karoti School - Kirinyaga County
St. Mary's Mwea School - Kirinyaga County
Kapropita School
Mogotio School
Pemwai School
Huma Girls Secondary School
Sega Girls Secondary School
UGANDA
St.Kizito High School Bethany - Mityana Town
Mary Reparatrix Bugonga - Entebbe Town
Friends Academy - Mpigi District
TANZANIA
Kibosho Girls Secondary School - Moshi
Sangiti Secondary School - Moshi
St.Mary Eugenie Girls Secondary School - Moshi
Mother Marie Eugenie, Kisaki -Singida
To download copies of our most recent corporate filings and audits, choose a PDF file below:
"Together Women Rise is a powerful community of women and allies dedicated to global gender equality. We have hundreds of local chapters across the United States. Members come together to learn about and advocate for gender equality issues, give grants to organizations that empower women and girls in low-income countries, and build community to forge meaningful connections that increase their strength and collective impact." In November 2023, they have chosen us as their designated Featured Grantee, offering a gift of $25,000. This gift will enable GTL to pay annual high school fees for 30 scholars in 2024.
Girls Opportunity Alliance, (GOA) a program of the Obama Foundation, seeks to empower adolescent girls around the world through education, allowing them to achieve their full potential. GOA is raising $50,000 for GTL as its featured organization, with this gift 71 girls will join high school in 2024.
