By the beginning of October the rainy season is coming to an end and the children in Ouelessebouguo are getting ready to return to the classroom. Here at the Ouelessebougou Alliance we are busy preparing for another successful back to school year. One of our primary focuses continues to be the education of girls. Unfortunately, girls in Mali face many barriers when it comes to education. Most face and suffer from household poverty and are expected to stay home with their mothers to help work and look after younger sibilings. Child labor is very common and many young girls work in the mines to help supplement and support family income. Gender inequality is prevelant and girls marry as young as 12 and 13 years of age. In addition, the lack of menstrual care solutions are all factors that contribute to girls not staying in school and the high drop-out rate of girls in village schools.
Whether or not a girl stays in school has a profound effect on not only her quality of life, but on her future family's life as well. When a Malian girl has the opportunity to receive an education and stay in school, she is more likely to stay healthy, save money, marry later in life and most importantly educate her children. When a girl receives an education it breaks the poverty cycle in one generation.
Our goal in 2019/2020 school year is for even more girls in Ouelessebougou to receive a quality education and experence success. Our local Mali staff partners with the schools, Education Councils and village Health workers to educate village leaders and parents on the importance of girls' education and keeping girls in school. We teach girls gardening, nutrition and financial literacy which improves life skills and future income opportunities. We provide menstration education and distribute Days for Girls feminine hygeine kits to allow girls to attend school year round.
Last year 43% of village students were girls. We want to see that number continue to rise. Thank you for your donation and helping us reach our goals for girls in Ouelessebougou!
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