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, 210 girls from a wide range of countries around the world have been funded through the project. To date, the Hope project has sponsored 210 girls to date continuing toward completion complete their secondary education and four new girls that HOPE has requested for sponsorship this year (2023-22024) bringing the total to 213. 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 2023-2024, the project is sponsoring 8 girls in the following countries: Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania.