OUR MISSION
We are working to improve the literacy levels
& social integration of young girls in Guinea
Young girls in Guinea do not get the same educational opportunities as their male counterparts. Many girls are forced into arranged marriages, sex trafficking, and/or slavery.
WE SIMPLY WANT TO CHANGE THAT
Education is a powerful tool, especially for girls who so often find themselves fighting to stay in school.
Our organization will support implementing programs to bring educational opportunities to young girls in rural areas, discouraging child marriage, and eradicating harassment in the classroom and workplaces.
We believe, education is the key to a healthier, more economically developed society, especially when every child has a chance to benefit from it.
THE CURRENT PROBLEM
ONLY 25% OF GUINAN GIRLS ATTEND SECONDARY SCHOOL
There is a steep drop in girls’ enrollment between primary and secondary school. While close to 77% of girls attend primary school, only 25% of girls of secondary school age are attending.
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This dramatic difference is largely due to teen girls dropping out to help at home or as a result of child marriage.
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SOURCE: www.borgenproject.org
Gender bias hinders girls’ education in Guinea
Families with multiple children, especially those in rural areas, tend to choose to educate boys instead of girls. Guinean girls face the issue of being taken out of school to help with younger siblings and assist with cooking or other housework. This significantly affects their ability to keep up with schoolwork, which furthers the likelihood of dropping out of school altogether.
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SOURCE: www.borgenproject.org
Child marriage is a major barrier to girls’ education
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Over 51% of Guinean girls are married before the age of 18 and over 21% are married before 15.
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The practice of child marriage has been linked to many negative impacts in the young women such as health risks, higher fertility, and lower education attainment, among others.
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SOURCE: www.borgenproject.org
Gender-based violence also poses a problem to girls
Sexual harassment & assault is not an uncommon occurrence for female students. Additionally, some male teachers may demand sexual favors for a passing grade, even if the student has earned a high mark on her own. While there is a lack of statistical data in regards to these assaults as they are often unreported, they are a common enough occurrence for families to worry about their daughters’ safety at school.
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SOURCE: www.borgenproject.org
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Our team in America is working to get educational supplies and financial donations.
Our team in Guinea will be doing outreach to young underprivileged girls to connect them to resources & mentor them so they can create a better life.