The virtuous cycle
CAMFED’s model promotes a virtuous cycle of empowerment by supporting girls and young women through every stage of their development

Primary education
At primary level, CAMFED provides funds to school-based committees to cover essential school-going costs for vulnerable children – both boys and girls – at risk of dropping out of education. We also establish and nurture Parent Support Groups, which volunteer their time and resources to keep poor children in school, by providing nutritious school meals for example. This opens the door to…
…Secondary education
CAMFED commits to supporting each girl, selected through a transparent process by her community, through the entire secondary school cycle, providing the support she needs to stay in school, such as school fees, supplies, a uniform, essential personal items, and boarding fees where required. We train Teacher Mentors to look after girls’ psycho-social needs. They are then supported to achieve…
…Economic independence
Through the CAMFED Association, young women graduates access peer support, training and financial resources that open up new pathways to independence, including financial literacy, ICT, health, business and entrepreneurship training. Young women can access seed grants to help them set up rural businesses creating employment and prosperity in their communities. The respect they gain sets them up for…
…Leadership
CAMFED Association members commit to supporting more vulnerable children through school, multiplying the benefits of their education. As role models and mentors they deliver health, wellbeing and financial literacy programs, share sustainable agricultural practices and business skills, and sit on local and selected committees, seeding change in marginalized communities. This in turn means more children can access primary education.