Let Girls Learn
Hamilton’s chapter of Her Campus wants to get our school involved in a very important cause: Let Girls Learn. Launched this past spring by President and First Lady Obama, Let Girls Learn is a global initiative to ensure that adolescent girls have access to education. The Obama administration is working with the Peace Corps and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide resources for girls’ education in developing countries, expand existing global education programs, and generally raise awareness of the issue.
Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon
First Lady Michelle Obama visits Hun Sen Bakorng High School in Cambodia
Since we’re here at Hamilton, it’s safe to say that most of us have probably encountered few barriers in our education. But worldwide, there are 62 million school-aged girls who are not in school. Whether because of economic difficulties, dangers of violence, limited access, or societal expectations, these girls are missing out on something very important. Let Girls Learn aims to change that. It hopes to provide scholarships, supplies, and other economic support, as well as training for both teachers, school administrators, and girls themselves. Training for teachers and administrators will focus on making classrooms safer and more accessible. Many girls will receive academic support as well as leadership and community training. Let Girls Learn hopes to transform communities so that girls’ education is not only more acceptable and accessible, but is a priority. Studies show that girls who complete secondary education are at lower risk for many health problems, financial difficulty, and forced marriage.
So how can you help? Keep an eye out on campus for anything related to Let Girls Learn. Hamilton’s Her Campus chapter is hoping to conduct fundraising in the future to support the program. You can also spread the word about this important issue! Finally, check out the White House’s page on Let Girls Learn for more information.