EMPOWERING THE FUTURE THROUGH GIRLS’ EDUCATION

What happens when we invest in girls’ education? Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that offer all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfil their potential. However, education for girls is more than mere access to school. It’s about creating environments where girls feel safe in classrooms and are supported in pursuing the subjects and careers of their choice – especially those who are often underrepresented.

Girls’ education systems empower girls and promote the development of life skills like self-management, communication, negotiation and critical thinking. These skills are critical for their success as they bridge skills gaps that perpetuate pay discrepancies and build prosperity for entire nations. Gender-equitable education systems can contribute to a reduction in school-related gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriages and female genital mutilation.

Despite evidence demonstrating how essential girls’ education is to development, gender disparities in education persist. For instance, according to UNICEF, 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower secondary school age, and 67 million of upper secondary school age. In countries affected by conflict, girls are more than twice as likely to be out of school compared to girls living in non-affected countries.

Moreover, there are about 74,000 school-age children in Kakuma, but fewer than one in four reach secondary schools. For girls, the odds are even worse with only one in ten making it to high school. Now these aren't just figures from studies, they represent our future – the future of girls who, if given the opportunity, could contribute immensely not only to their societies but also globally.?

Take, for example, Mary Maker, a young refugee from Kakuma who became the South Sudanese Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR. Now despite facing numerous challenges in her academic journey in the camp, Mary seized the opportunity to pursue education, ultimately winning a scholarship to further her studies. Mary inspired by her own experiences, is now dedicated to empowering and investing in girls' education, working tirelessly to provide them with the essential tools for self-discovery and unlocking their full potential.

At Tedi Africa, we recognize the importance of this cause and are committed to encouraging, embracing, and amplifying the voices of young girls. We strive to elevate their status through education, awareness, literacy, and training programs that equip them with the skills needed for personal and professional development.

Let's rally behind this cause. Instead of losing trillions of dollars in the future due to a lack of investment in girls' education, let's work together to rewrite this narrative and create a brighter future by educating girls, because empowering girls through education doesn't only transform their lives but also strengthens entire communities and nations. Let's invest in their potential today for a brighter tomorrow.

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