Lira University in Uganda is teaming up with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter to make university education more accessible. This powerful partnership is already transforming lives, with 23 students receiving crucial financial aid, known as bursaries, to join the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) program.
This vital initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, is specifically designed to uplift disadvantaged young people. This includes girls, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. The program offers not only financial support but also special “bridging” courses. These courses help students strengthen their academic skills and meet university entry standards if they didn’t qualify directly.
The core mission is clear: to create pathways for capable learners who might otherwise miss out on university education due to financial hardship or past academic challenges. By providing this opportunity, the program aims to help students transition into higher education, ultimately leading them to secure meaningful employment or even launch their own businesses. It ensures that no deserving student is left behind.
Dr. Andrew Ojulong, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Lira University, highly commends FAWE Uganda for their support. He describes the HEAC program as a “critical intervention” for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for degree courses, offering them a second chance at success. The university’s HEAC program received official accreditation in April 2024, paving the way for its impactful implementation.
The university leadership is very impressed with the program’s scope and focus, especially its dedication to supporting young people who have completed secondary school but lack the qualifications or means to continue their education. In the first intake for the 2025/2026 academic year, an encouraging 133 students were admitted, demonstrating the great need and successful start of this transformative program.