I grew up originally in the Caribbean as I’ve mentioned before. One of the things that my mom valued the most was an education. We grew up under the British system where we start Kindergarten at the age of 5 and by the time we are 16 we’ve graduated High School and on our way to college. Another 2 years of college and we’re done at the age of 18. Quite unlike here in the USA. My own mother only had a formal elementary school education and so she made sure that each of her child made their way to college and graduate. No ifs, ands or buts about it! When I had my own children I made sure that it was the same. My oldest is now in university and doing quite well. She actually just made the Dean’s List and I couldn’t be more proud. I was hungry to learn as a child and my kids are no exceptions.
My own toddler is super hungry to learn and as a baby I made sure to have as many books as possible to foster her love of reading and learning. When it was time for her to start pre-school she was as excited as could be. Her own siblings were already in school and there was nothing more that she wanted to do. I couldn’t imagine not having an education and my kids not having an education as well. Unfortunately there are lots of young girls who can’t have an education because of their circumstances but with the help of CARE they are able to. Today I want to share with you Jennifer’s story.
Jennifer’s Story:
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| Photo Credit: CARE |
Jennifer Osei Boakye is one of millions of girls around the world who benefit from CARE’s work with men like Chief Nana. Just 8 years-old, Jennifer wakes up before dawn every day to fetch several buckets of water for her entire family from a faraway water source. She washes the family’s dishes and cooks. Despite her workload, Jennifer also goes to school. CARE has helped boost school retention for girls in her community by more than 50 percent by explaining to parents and community leaders that educating girls is an investment that pays long-term economic, health and social dividends to families and communities.
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| Photo Credit: CARE |
There are many girls like Jennifer who has lots of barriers to overcome in order to get the education they need. In Jennifer’s case it’s the burden of fetching water for her family. Did you know?
– Keeping girls out of school sentences them to a life of poverty and poor health
– Women earn 10-20% more for every year of school completed – Children of educated mothers are 2x as likely to go to school
– Children born to literate moms are 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5.
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| Photo Credit: CARE |
There are however ways you can help. You can make a donation on CARE’s education gift catalog page. Your donation as little as $10 can make all the difference to girls such as Jennifer. A $38 donation can even provide school uniforms for 2 girls. So skip those expensive coffee at Starbucks for a few days and support girl’s education around the world. Let’s make their education dream a reality!
If this video of Jennifer’s story doesn’t pull on your heartstring I don’t know what will.
I know that I couldn’t possibly see my children not having an education and I would love for girls around the world to have one as well. Remember they are all Hungry To Learn! So help out today!
Here are the ways you can connect with CARE.
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