How we can help girls in Africa overcome obstacles to quality education

Children have a right to an education. But for girls, in particular, there are more obstacles to quality education.

The Children Believe and Graça Machel Trust (GMT) virtual panel discussion below explains the challenges sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It’s a complex issue. Tanaka Chikati, GMT youth ambassador, gave one example of why.

“We could be educating girls and they’re going to school, however when they go back home parents might find it easier to let their child get married early so they can get a short-term solution to financial problems,” she explains.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director, United Nations Women says, “We know when it comes to education, that it is never a waste”. The pandemic added to the many other existing challenges there are for girls to get an education. However, it’s important to engage the entire community in making change so girls don’t have to face obstacles to quality education alone.

At Children Believe, we work with partners, school admin, community leaders, families and government agencies in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Ghana, to promote equality for girls. We also provide girls with the tools they need to advance and understand their right to live their dreams.

You can help girls overcome obstacles to quality education to help them reach their dreams. Advocate for gender equality, send a girl to school today.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance:

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.