In some communities in Zambia, girls are seen as second-class citizens and unworthy of education. To tackle the large gender equality gap our program seeks to empower and educate girls and women through a 6-pillar framework: education, health, self-confidence, income generation, safety, and early pregnancy. Currently conducting workshops on mats under a mango tree - we want to build a community center to provide a safe and private space which will tackle sensitive issues as we empower girls.
In Zambia, life for a young girl is challenging with over 60% of the population living below the poverty line, it is no surprise school dropout usually begins around the age of 13. Teenage pregnancy, menstruation, or duties around the home often cause girls to abandon their schooling. The Girl Impact was established to tackle these issues and to empower over 150 girls and women; however, currently having to conduct workshops under a mango tree limits security, safety and large impact.
Wishing to extend our reach in The Girl Impact program, building a Community Center will allow the impact to be limitless. We wish to expand the already successful and extremely impactful workshops to additional community members, create more income-generating activities, but more importantly create a safe, encouraging space for girls to be empowered and push our impact to grow. The center will grow in 3 different phases to encourage growth, sustainability and impact over 350 girls and women.
The Girl Impact Community Center will directly affect both the Linda Community and neighbouring communities. Our goal is to see girls, boys, women and men working together to prove that education and proper support can uplift families, communities, and the entire nation of Zambia!
