Girls in Kabul attend an outdoor school to obtain basic literacy skills. Image courtesy Reuters.
August and September have always been two of my favorite months. Why? Because it’s time to go back to school! It’s time to catch up with old friends, make new ones, learn new things, plan holidays and projects, and get new school supplies (yes, I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils).
So what are you looking forward to this school year? Perhaps you’ll finally read a book you’ve wanted to discuss with others, or learn about a period in history or field of science that fascinates you. Maybe it’s the lunchtime chats with friends or the art projects you’ll make.
But as you go back to school, I hope you also think about all the girls in the world who fight to go to school every day, and all the girls who don’t have the opportunity for an education. For those of you able to safely attend school every day, cherish it. There are many girls who take harrowing walks, deal without school supplies or even restrooms, and who may fight cultural, political, or other obstacles to obtain even the most basic education.
And if you want to help girls around the world obtain an education, consider donating to one of the charities below. You could even talk to your teacher about organizing a fundraising or school supply drive to donate to girls benefitted by these charities!
Room to Read: Students Helping Students
Host a pink lemonade stand or book swap for Because I Am A Girl
Get Involved with GirlUp to fundraise, advocate, and spread the word!
-Tiffany Rhoades
Junior Girl
Girl Museum Inc.