Save a Girl from Child Marriage with a Scholarship

Fourteen-year-old Labani (not her real name) was in a vulnerable position. But you gave, and she was saved from becoming a child bride.

Labani lives with her mother and brother in Bangladesh. Her father died when she was seven and her mother is a domestic worker. Even with Labani working for three hours a day for a neighbor, the family is barely surviving and there is no extra money for school.

Many girls who are in Labani’s position in Bangladesh are given in child marriage. But thanks to your help, Labani has access to a child protection group that has taught her the dangers of child marriage and is advocating for her to stay in school. When Labani didn’t have money for a school uniform, the group leader spoke to the headmaster and she was allowed to attend school even without the proper clothing.

But the group’s help didn’t stop there. Leaders arranged for Labani’s mother to get financial help as a widow from additional resources in her community. This is enough money to pay for Labani and her brother’s school expenses.

Because you gave and groups for child protection have been formed, girls like Labani can remain in school and complete their education. This is the surest way for them to avoid becoming a child bride and rise above poverty. And, just like Labani plans to become a nurse and serve the poor people of her community, the education of these girls brings hope to their families and entire communities.

Your gift provided a scholarship for Pavi in Bangladesh to attend school! Because of that, she was saved from becoming a child bride. Thank you!

Pavi’s family in Bangladesh is extremely poor. There is little food to go around and her parents often skip meals to provide for their children. So, when an older man approached Pavi's father and asked to marry Pavi, he considered his offer seriously.

You see, child marriage is a viable option where Pavi lives, and families often choose it for their daughters because the older man promises to take care of her, and they believe she will be better off. What they don’t realize is that child marriage often leads to abuse, serious health issues, and a life of poverty for the girl.

The only way out of this poverty is through education. That’s why your gift of a scholarship means so much! Not only does it equip a girl for a successful future, it saves her from the serious risks of child marriage. 

Girls who stay in school are six times less likely to be married off before their 18^th birthday.

Thank you so much for providing a scholarship for Pavi! Because of you, her parents have called off the marriage and she is in school. Now she has a bright future. And not only that, as she succeeds, she will lift her family out of poverty and give back to her community.