Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Thanks for taking the time to read this project update and donating towards gender equality and empowerment of women. Develop Africa and The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) acknowledge that promoting equal access to education is the foundation for all other development goals. "Until equal numbers of girls and boys are in school, it will be impossible to build the knowledge necessary to eradicate poverty and hunger, combat disease and ensure environmental sustainability." This project is focused on supporting / ensuring gender equality by ensuring that girls receive support towards educational expenses through their schooling.

September 9th, 2010 was a joyous day in the lives of our scholarship recipients as it was Scholarship Award Ceremony Day. The simple award ceremony took place at the rented basement CIA hall in Freetown.

The children and there parents were overjoyed to receive the scholarships. The funds are that we are providing together are helping to ensure that these children continue in school. Even in these days we continue to receive reports of children dropping out of school because their parents are unable to maintain them in school. The additional benefit of what we are doing together is that we are bringing educational stability into the lives of these children.

The children were admonished to continue to work hard and excel in school. In the vote of thanks, Adelaide Thomas, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her appreciation to GlobalGiving and Develop Africa donors for providing this scholarship that is "motivating her to excel in school". Adelaide is a star pupil and doing exceptionally well.

Thank you donors and friends for helping to bring educational stability to the lives of these children. We welcome your on-going support as we plan our next shipment of books and school supplies.

Cordially and best wishes

Links:

• United Nations: Promote gender equality and empower women