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Reality check on girls' education...
In Australia, girls have an equal opportunity to receive an education, make choices in their life and have a say in what they truly believe in. In developing and poverty stricken global sites however, most girls do not have the opportunity to receive a full education, or speak out and voice their opinion. Most things we take for granted in developed countries, are things that these girls from challenging environments can only hope for and imagine in their wildest of dreams. As a female who has received 13 years of schooling, and is currently studying at University to become a Primary School teacher, the topic of girl’s education is one that is dear to my heart. As I am browsing through many websites and discovering the multiple organisations who are striving to make a difference , I can’t help but feel saddened and some what guilty that it has taken me this long to truly realise the disadvantaged opportunity girls around the world have. Gaining inspiration from the TWB website, I believe that there is so much that I, a future teacher, as well as all of the current or future teachers can do, to make this issue known amongst our local communities. There are already multiple organisations making a difference, and wether it is a big or small change, I believe there is so much that can be done to assist in resolving this global issue.
When a girl is educated, everything changes
-> When she is confident and believes in herself, she can demand to stay in school and continue receiving an education.
-> When her family, friends and local community support her, she can demand to stay in school and continue receiving an education.
-> When she has access to necessary services, she can demand to stay in school and continue receiving an education.
-> When she is in contact with and is supported by role models and other like-minded females, she can demand to stay in school and continue receiving an education.
“There are many things that will prevent a girl from being educated. But when it comes down to it, the truth is, millions of girls are prevented from going to school, simply because they were born a girl”. - https://www.onegirl.org.au/why-girls
The launch of the Girl Effect Film “The Clock is ticking’ was released in 2009, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. If you have not already viewed the video above, I invite you, to see for yourself, the current ‘situation’ happening around the world. The inspiring and motivating clip will really make you believe, that when a girl is educated, everything changes.
#Freedomforgirls!
This video would have to be one of my favourites. From the upbeat song, to the passion and enthusiasm in the young girls moves, it truly is inspiring.
At present, 130 million plus girls are not at school. This is due to the unforeseen circumstances and challenging environment they have been raised in, or forced to flea to. For these 130 million girls not at school, that means 130 million less teachers, doctors, chefs, entrepreneurs and political leaders. As teachers, we are aware of the major benefits of education. Watching children grow and develop academically, socially and physically truly is a rewarding experience, and one that will shape each childs future. To think that these 130 million plus girls are denied the chance to learn is an outrage. Due to this denial of education, these girls are more likely to be; illiterate, sold into marriage and forced into early pregnancy. Education is a powerful weapon, a weapon that contributes to the fight against extreme poverty. Education can change everything, and according to onegirl.org.au;
- educated mothers are more than twice as likely to educate their children
- 10-25% is how much a girl’s income will increase for every extra year of education
- 90% is the percentage of income an educated woman will invest into her family.
Teachers, I encourage you to promote this video (and issue) at your school. Share it with your class, in the staff room, or even for the whole school at assembly.
Video link: http://www.globalgoals.org/dayofthegirl
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