Uganda is Serious about their Sex Ed

http://www.linktv.org/programs/african-school-sex-education

One Million Children

Millions of children are returning to school this year. Sadly about one million Syrian children will not be attending school this year. Recently, UNICEF reported on the one millionth child refugee from the conflict in Syria.

One million is a devastating number, especially when one considers the impact that this will have not only on this generation, but also on the generations that will follow. It is estimated that more than 768,000 of the refugees are under 11 years old. One of these is eight-year-old Aya. She has not been to school for the past two years, but dreams of becoming a doctor one day so that she can help others.

Despite great efforts made by UNHCR and UNICEF, more work is needed to save this generation. As refugees, they have already experienced turmoil, fear, illness, and separation from their families. They now face the threat of child marriage, child labor, and sex trafficking.  

  

A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced

The courage of Malala is truly inspiring. Below is a clip of her first formal speaking appearance at the United Nations since she was shot. In her speech, she advocates of the right that every girl and boy have to receive an education. 

What will you do with your voice?

The Power of One

We loved the CNN film Girl Rising. It is a powerful depiction of girls from all over the world rising up despite their external circumstances to acquire an education. One story that was shared is about Azmera from Ethiopia who is not yet 14.

One day a 20 year old stranger came and asked for Azmera’s hand in marriage. Azmera’s mom had been receiving pressure to have Azmera marry early. Her mom, desperate for Azmera to have change in her life, gave her consent. Azmera’s older brother saw what was happening and said that he would sell all that he had to keep his sister Azmera in school. He wanted her to have a better life and get the education that he never had. Together Azmera and her brother refused the marriage and she stayed in school. Azmera’s story is an example of the power one girl can have on her family, community, and country. 

The movie The Power of One, is about a teenage boxer, P.K., living in South Africa during the apartheid rule. P.K. and his friend begin to teach English to people in the slums despite the opposition against them. They are questioned by their school master why they are doing it.

He asks them: “But at the end of the day, it’s only about a dozen of people you’re talking about teaching. How much difference will that really make?” 

P.K. responds: “A waterfall begins from only one drop of water…look what comes from that…”

Azmera and the other girls in the film Girl Rising are one drop. Even though they are one, together as they rise up, and we rise up with them, we can form a powerful waterfall of girls being educated and empowered with opportunities. Their example of courage, unconsciously, unlocks the door for others to follow. Grow.Learn.Give is committed and excited to assist and help one girl at a time overcome barriers so that they can continue their education.

A Letter to Girls

This open letter to the girls of the world is part of the "Girl Rising" project. CNN Films' "Girl Rising" documents extraordinary girls and the power of education to change the world. Watch it at 9 p.m. ET June 16 on CNN.  

A letter to girls from the Queen of Jordan


Queen Rania of Jordan

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah is queen of Jordan and has been an advocate for children's education for years in her country, across the region and around the world, working with such groups as UNICEF. 

I'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE campaign from PLAN INTERNATIONAL

Another great video about the growing girl movement in developing countries from PLAN INTERNATIONAL.


I'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE

Girl Rising video

I'm sorry we have been "away" for a while.  I hope we are back for a good, long while.  I was absolutely moved by this short video Girl Rising by 10 x 10.  Check it out!