In collaboration with the African Opportunity Foundation (AOF; formerly African Orphans Foundation), Kasiisi Project and its Ugandan counterpart, Kibale Forest Schools Program (KFSP), awarded the 2024 Goodhart Prize to 18-year-old Kobugabe Monica, a S5 student at Cornerstone Leadership Academy in Kampala.

This award has been given annually since 2016 to girls in Kabarole District with the highest marks in science and mathematics on the Grades 10 (O Level) and 12 (A Level) public exams. It is named for the late Brad Goodhart, a long-time board member of AOF who, for years, helped coordinate fundraising for orphaned girls in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

A ceremony was held on September 12 at Monica’s former school, Samling Kichwamba High School, with more than 200 people in attendance, including students and teachers. Journalists from the local radio station also attended to publicize the award. Monica received a medal, certificate, T-shirt, and a cash prize to help further her education. Her former science and math teachers were also honored.

When asked what this award meant to her, Monica replied, “It has encouraged me to continue working hard so I can achieve more in the future and be the person I want to be.” Monica shared that her dream is to attend medical school and one day work as a doctor to help Ugandans.

Dr. Emily Otali, Country Director for KFSP and Africa’s first female Ph.D. primatologist, emphasized the importance of this annual award. ”With the many environmental challenges we face today, we need girls in math and science now more than ever. This award is to inspire and encourage all the girls who, due to poverty and lack of female role models in math and science, do not believe they can excel in these subjects and careers.” Otali also noted that this award touches more than one girl. “We have one winner this year, but all of the kids attending the ceremony and all those who hear about it will get the message that success is possible, even coming from a rural district such as Kabarole. That kernel of hope is everything.”

We would like to express our deep gratitude to AOF for their continued partnership that makes this important annual award for girls possible.

KFSP Director, Tusiime Patrick, and KFSP team leaders, Shamilah Tuhaise and Gorret Nyabutono, congratulate Monica and her former head teacher on the award.

Monica celebrates her award with her proud parents.

Monica poses with her former math and science teachers.

Monica shares her dream of becoming a doctor.