Women and Girls Sierra Leone Project #3935

Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

by Develop Africa, Inc.

Summary

Unfortunately, in many African families, girls traditionally have relatively less or limited access to educational opportunities. Boys receive preferential opportunities. This project helps address this imbalance by providing scholarships to girls who are at risk of dropping out of school. It also provides computer training to ensure they are computer proficient and ready for today's computer-driven society. The girls receive guidance to help them stay on track with their educational goals.

$62,500
total goal

$3,987
remaining

545
donors

8
monthly donors

6
fundraisers

10
years

Challenge

Poverty prevents many African families from sending their girls to school. According to UNICEF statistics, among youths 15-24 years old in Sierra Leone, the literacy rate for males is 70.5% and that of girls is 52.1%. Early marriage also hinders girls from pursuing an education and gaining self-sufficiency/independence. A preference for boys' education remains dominant in many community circles - with boys getting priority access to limited opportunities. This places girls at a disadvantage.

Solution

This project focuses on enhancing the educational progress and development of girls. Girls are encouraged to continue their education. Financial support is provided to make this a reality. This support is closing the gender gap so more girls are able to stay in school and graduate. Targeted training is provided to ensure that the girls have the life skills and mindset needed for success and continual progress. And, vocational and business opportunities ensure progress towards self-sufficiency.

Long-Term Impact

This project is helping girls to break out of the vicious cycle that entraps unskilled and resource-poor girls. At-risk girls are maturing into well-educated, emancipated, gainfully employed and self-sufficient women. These empowered women are the pillars of their families, communities and the nation. When the mother of the home is educated, the health, well-being, and success of the entire family are propelled forward and transformed. Educated girls educate the entire nation.