By Sonia Omar | CEO
The New School Year
The year has started and we are delighted to welcome 250 girls back to the houses, with new girls starting their journey with us at the age of 12. There is a feeling of optimism in the air and we hope that covid will no longer present any restrictions on the girls' education. The final year girls are already studying for their exams which will take place next week and then again in June. We look forward to seeing how they get on and sending more girls off to University.
EFA Reunion
EFA held their first reunion in September, bringing around 50 former EFA students back together. They shared about life during and after EFA, what they were doing now and how education changed their lives. Some were mothers, some teachers and others studying at University. Khadija returned to speak about becoming a secondary teacher, Fatima about being a primary school teacher and Asmaa about working for an IT company in Marrakech!
Despite the different roles and stages in life, it was clear that finishing their studies had given them confidence and options. After the shares, they agreed that they would set up an Alumni Association and elected their President, Secretary and Chair. We can't wait to follow the Association and see it grow and make an impact on opportunities for women and girls in the High Atlas.
Selection Week
Selection week is the toughest week of the year. When we started out in the early years, families were reluctant for their daughters to be educated; now, many want their daughters to have a place at EFA. This is great news in many ways, as it highlights the positive changes coming about, but it is also a tough time for the House Mothers as we can only take girls for the number of beds we have. This year we have added extra 'day places' as a solution to take additional girls from poor families who are within a commutable distance. This gives them access to computers, a nutritious lunch and the encouragement of a skilled House Mother.
The selection day was also supported by some of our former students who love to come back and help out. It's their way of staying connected to the EFA community and also an opportunity for them to encourage girls from their villages to do everything they can to get their education. The former girls are the best role models we can ask for.
New Documentary
EFA has been working with The Evening Standard on their series of documentaries titled 'Let Girls Learn'. We were honoured that they chose to focus one story on EFA and the impact it is having on girls from the High Atlas region. The filming took place over 4 days with many powerful interviews, including with some of the girls' families. The documentary will be out next month.
Thank You!
Once again, thank you for your amazing support so that girls from remote villages can complete their education and thrive in life.
Warm wishes from the entire EFA team, house mothers and girls!
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