Ruth's transformational education
When Ruth Andrews had her two children before turning 18, completing high school was never part of her plan. Her mindset at the time was, "How can I be in school while my children are also in school?"
She later realised, after being involved in ActionAid's Just and Equal Community (JEC) Project, that this could have long-term consequences not only for her but also for her two young children.
“I was only having children and never understood the importance of going back to school. If I had known what I know now ... I would have already finished school and had some skills,” Ruth said.
Gobah’s Town, where Ruth lives, was once widely known for its high rate of female school dropouts every academic year. This was due to several factors rooted in patriarchy such as teenage pregnancy, lack of contraceptive or family planning services, the dominance of Female Genital Mutilation where girls are taken to the Sande Society (Bush School) following which they are given into marriage, and a lack of mentorship.
Before the introduction of the JEC Project, Ruth never considered returning to school. She felt ashamed to sit in a classroom with younger students who had watched her have two children in quick succession.
Following her involvement in the Girls’ and Boys’ Forums, she gained in-depth knowledge and training on girls’ education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and basic human rights.
This exposure was life-changing for Ruth. She found the courage to return to school, putting aside her age and the stigma she once feared.
In October 2025, Ruth graduated High School. She continues to advocate for her community, joining other young people to encourage girls to return to school. With other forum members, she stages community awareness events, educating peers about their sexual rights and the importance of education.
Even the local authority note: “Every girl wants the town and their peers to attend their graduation, so girls are now going to school and staying until they graduate. Every home wants to have a graduate now”.
ActionAid Liberia is working beyond individual awareness raising to support long-term power shifts by strengthening girls’ leadership, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), engaging communities to challenge harmful gender norms, and supporting collective action through Girls’ Forums and community-based structures.
