The odds are still unfairly stacked against girls when it comes to education.
Poverty. Hunger. Periods. Conflict. These are only some of the barriers girls face just to get to the classroom. And once there, 40% of girls won’t have the chance finish secondary school. You can help clear the way for girls to learn by donating today.
Mali is one of the toughest places in the world to go to school. Poverty often forces parents to remove their children from education. And it’s usually girls who are the first to leave. Sent to work at a young age, or forced into child marriages, girls futures are taken along a path they did not choose.
Against the odds, girls are determined to learn. To discover their passions. To understand their rights. To make their own decisions. This winter, your donation could help girls take a seat in the classroom – and stay there. Because nothing changes the odds for a girl like an education does.
million girls are out of school worldwide.
of girls in sub-Saharan Africa don't finish secondary school.
increased likelihood of girls in conflict settings missing out on school.
How your donation could help
Against all odds, girls are determined to learn. But they need you to stand with them. Donate today to help protect the futures of girls.
- £20 could help provide school meals, so that children don't have to drop out of school to find food.
- £50 could help provide school books and kits so children have the equipment they need to learn.
- £75 could help fund scholarships for girls, so they can stay in school and safe from child marriage.
No gift is too small to make a difference. Please donate today
"It's hard to learn when you are hungry"
10-year-old Moussou used to turn up to school hungry as there was little food to go around at home.
“I didn’t understand anything because I was constantly hungry…It’s hard to learn when you are hungry. Studying on an empty stomach is not easy, but when we eat, the lessons become easier to understand.”
That all changed when Plan International opened a school canteen that provided nutritious meals.
“Before we couldn’t find anything to eat and were often hungry…But now we eat well at school. Often, on returning home, we no longer need to eat, we go home and rest.”
A school canteen broke down barriers to Moussou’s education. But 1.7 million girls in Mali are still not getting an education. Unable to take their place in the classroom, the odds are further stacked against them.
"My brothers went to school and left me at home alone"
Despite being 11, Diatou has only been in school for a year. Gender inequality meant her brothers education took priority while she stayed home to help with chores.
“My brothers went to school and left me alone at home…I was not happy at all. Sometimes I followed them to school and spied on them from outside.”
With your help, Plan International can fund "speed schools" for girls like Diatou to catch up.
“I love studying and I really enjoy French. I’m happy to be among the best in my class. I would like to become a doctor” says Diatou.
Donate today so more girls like Diatou can go to school – and stay there.
Help girls defy the odds and stay in school
Banner image: Moussou, 10, learning in class at her school in Mali.