Investing in Young Girls

The bad news: 31 million primary school aged girls were not enrolled in school

The good news: more girls than ever are attending school 

When you educate young girls, you are placing a long term investment back into the community. October 11 is the International Day of the Girl Child. This year's focus is Innovating for Girls' Education. Countries around the world are getting creative by thinking outside the box to create innovated programs to break down the barriers of girls' education. An innovation is more than providing girls the basic tools necessary for school: it is about providing them the opportunity to be heard, and a chance to reach their full potential. Below is a video of how some countries are creating innovated way to solve the problem of girl's unequal access to education.

Girl Power!

"There are approximately 57 million children of primary school age who are not in school, including 32 million girls and almost 30 million children living in situations of conflict. Moreover, many children do not complete primary school - in developing countries only 87 out of every 100 children complete their primary education. Seventy-one million children of lower secondary age are out of school, and millions of young people are not provided the education and training to develop the skills and competencies needed for a successful transition to adult life and decent jobs" (UNICEF, 2013)

From as far as I can remember, I have always been in school. I was at school more than I am at home. I stayed late after school just because I could. I graduated from elementary school, went on to high school and will soon graduate from my second program in college. I have close to 20 years of school experience and there most likely will be more ahead of me. Growing up, I always thought the right to education was universal. However, i was wrong. Because of their gender, something that was not their choice, some girls are not allowed to have proper or higher education in their country. 

As a student and a female, it pains me to see that there are girls around the world who are unable to attend school. I cannot understand what it is like to live in a society where I am not allowed to learn due to my gender. I mean, it does sound silly, right? Not being able to attend school because of my gender... Well, it is true and it is happening around the world. UNICEF is currently promoting the rights of education for girls in developing countries. UNICEF and their partners are committed to ensuring girls get obtain an education by overcoming barriers by helping girls play an active role in their own learning and achievements.