EnglishRethinking Aid and Empowerment in Africa through the Case of Girls Be Strong
- Authors:Jayden Kim(BC Collegiate)
- Publication Date:February 27, 2026
- Type:International Journal of Convergence Science for Youth Vol.1
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.23410/IJCSY.2026.1.1.04
- Volume/Issue:1/(1)
Abstract
This study critically examines the structural limitations of conventional foreign aid in Africa through the lens of dependency theory and empowerment theory. While international aid is often portrayed as benevolent and transformative, it may unintentionally reinforce economic, political, and psychological dependency. Using a qualitative case study approach, this paper analyzes the Girls Be Strong (GBS) project, a youth-led initiative in Uganda that promotes vocational training, education, and ethical partnership. The findings suggest that empowerment-based, participatory, and dignity-centered approaches can shift aid from a hierarchical donor-recipient model to a collaborative partnership model. The study argues that sustainable development requires capacity building, ethical media representation, and structural reform in global aid systems. Ultimately, empowerment-driven initiatives provide a viable pathway toward autonomy and long-term self-reliance in African communities.
Keywords:
Dependency Theory, Empowerment Theory, Ethical Storytelling, Foreign Aid, Sustainable Development, Youth Empowerment; Participatory DevelopmentReferences
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