By Sonia Omar | CEO
Dear Supporter
As we step towards the month of March, we are aware of the many celebrations for International Women's Day- which has extended to International Women's Week for us at Education For All (EFA). This year, the focus is on 'equity' which differs slightly from equality in that it focuses not only on having the same rights, but also the same opportunities.
Access to education is key to equity, as without an education, so many opportunities and rights cannot be realised. We see first hand at EFA what access to education does to uplift a girl. First there is the confidence that she is valued. Secondly there is the growing ambition- daring to dream about a future which is different, better than Mum's.
At EFA there is also the community aspect; living with other girls in the same position, who also come from a generation of women who were not educated, who have also struggled to find a way to go to school and then found that way through EFA. Then there is the flourishing, as the girls get to know what they are good at and to use the many resources available at the EFA houses- a library, computers, international volunteers who teach them English or Science.
They also learn about self-care, from the dedicated House Mother who encourages them throughout the demanding school year, to the yoga classes delivered by other non-profits, or a lesson in meditation from a volunteer to help them through exam time. All of these additional resources open their eyes beyond the mountains in which they have grown and give them a taste of a bigger world.
The result of this is that many girls pass their Baccalaureate exams and pursue University studies. Less chose to go back to the village and marry, but those that do start their married life in a completely new way from their mothers. They are educated, they are more empowered, they have choices and they can become mothers who can pass the values of education to their children and encourage them to walk in their own footsteps.
So in just 6 years of school, the future generation is transformed and equity is many steps closer- no longer a distant dream.
To read more about the impact of EFA's work in 2022, which your donations have contributed to, including testimonies from 6 of the EFA girls and young women, read our 2022 Impact Brochure! You will also enjoy this amazing video made by The Evening Standard as part of their 'Let Girls Learn' series.
To celebrate with us, follow us on Instagram Facebook or LinkedIn as we share many great interviews and other media throughout March.
You will also find more information about how to double your donations to us on GlobalGiving between March 6-12!
Warm wishes and thanks from all of us,
The EFA Team, House Mothers and Girls
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