The Hope Project is a co-action between CFUW SSI and Commonwealth Girls Education Fund(CGEF). Its aim is to assist academically deserving girls whose families are unable to fund their secondary school education. Students are selected from applicants proposed for funding by CGEF. To ensure that funds are secure and used to best advantage, CGEF sends sponsorship monies directly to the schools the girls are attending. The funds cover tuition costs, uniforms, entrance examinations, transportation costs and school meals. There is no administrative deduction from the funds raised by CFUW SSI.
With financial assistance, these students have the opportunity to reach their potential. Many become role models for their families and leaders in their communities.
The CFUW/SSI initiated the Hope Project in 2005 with the sponsorship of three girls. Since 2005, 336 more girls from a wide range of countries around the world have been funded through the project. To date, the Hope project has sponsored 290 girls to completion of their secondary education and 49 girls that HOPE is sponsoring this year (2025-2026) bringing the total to 339. As young women, they have gone on to work in spheres such as teaching, nursing, accountancy, engineering, tourism, and many more. All have benefited personally from their education and in turn are able to help their families, and countries.
In 2025-2026, the project is sponsoring 49 girls in the following 7 African countries: Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Due to recent generous donations, the Hope project is sponsoring many more girls than in previous years.