Many girls want to go to secondary school after their primary school, but the closest one was several miles away.  Their parents could not afford to rent room near the schools because of their economic problem. The long walk each day could be unsafe. They exposed for abduction, abuse and child marriage. Because of the economic issues their parents prefer to arrange a marriage for the girls instead of sending them school. Many girls in Ethiopia face such challenges.

Hiwot Ethiopia as a part of its strategy to help young women receive the quality sexual reproductive health information and services, and access to quality education creates a better option to girls in the Amhara region (Mortna Jiru, Deneba and Merhabete woreda’s) in collaboration with the local government, the Davis and Lucile Packard Foundation and Amplifychange established safe houses near to high schools. Girls can live in the houses while they attend high school, eliminating the daily trek to school. The program also provides support and companionship for the girls, including furnishing libraries with reference books and educational materials. The girls received monthly stipends as well as sexual reproductive information, supplies like sanitary pads so they do not miss classes when they are menstruating.