The Girl Sustainability Prize (GSP) prepares thirty (30) young girls between the ages of 11-15 years old living in rural Nigeria to pursue education and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with an emphasis on Sustainability and Outer Space Exploration curriculum. In addition to providing access to innovative STEM education, GSP pays tuition fees for these girls to attend a private high school where they gather monthly to collaborate on science projects.
The Green Institute acknowledges the challenges already faced by young girls living in rural communities such as the expectation of early marriage, child rearing, and homemaking. In these circumstances many young girls are not given the opportunity to explore science, apply their imaginations to problem-solving, and pursue higher education and eventual careers in STEM fields. Moreover, access to a good education has become increasingly important in the post-COVID-19 period.
The GSP offers girls from rural Nigeria access to dedicated, knowledgeable instructors who teaches them the links between science, technology and sustainability. The theme for this year is outer space exploration; therefore, we aim to highlight the links between our natural environment here on earth and those beyond our biosphere. The program allows girls to begin to perceive of an alternate future while promoting diversity and equity in their communities; thus allowing innovation to flourish.
Since its inception in 2014, 20 girls have participated in the program, so the inspiration has already begun. The funds gained from this campaign will support further research and development of the STEM for sustainability curriculum, expanding knowledge and providing innovative spaces for girls who may otherwise be relegated to managing a household and manual labour. We aim to build equity in girls' education, enabling them become sustainability thought-leaders in STEM, inspiring generations.
