September 2022
Going back to school
Canadian children have enjoyed almost two months of summer vacation and are returning to the classroom. And, like every other year, parents and children scurry into stores to buy all the necessary supplies needed for the new school year – notebooks, paper, pencils, school bags. There is no doubt that inflation is making this annual activity very difficult for some parents. In many cases, families will need support from local community organizations to ensure that their children have everything they need.
Photo: Mavambo Trust
Around the world, the situation for many children trying to return to school is grim. In Zimbabwe, the inflation rate reached 192% in June and all but the wealthy are suffering as food prices skyrocketed, and the value of the currency plummeted. As a result, almost half of the country’s children have not returned to the classroom, as they’ve been forced to go out and earn enough to feed either themselves or their families. And, for child-headed families, the situation is even more dire.
In war-torn Ukraine, approximately 4 million students are beginning a new school year. For students displaced by the war, a return to their schools is impossible. Moreover, it is reported that 2,300 schools have been damaged and another 286 destroyed. In addition, some schools face regular shelling and are deemed too dangerous for classes. Fearing for their children’s safety, many parents have opted for online learning. But, despite the many challenges, people have continued to persevere. One math teacher has set up a “classroom” in her garden, using her phone and a blackboard propped against a donated cupboard to deliver her lessons. Education efforts continue in Ukraine despite the adversity.
In Afghanistan, a country already struggling to teach its children, 4 million boys and girls have dropped out of school and many children have been forced to work to help support their families. It is estimated that 95% of Afghans do not have enough food to eat. Life is very precarious for all children as malnutrition threatens the entire population.
Clearly, the beginning of the school year in many parts of the world is both a struggle and a challenge. 60 million girls works to ensure that all children enjoy their right to a quality education in a safe and welcoming environment through innovative, localized programming with our partners to meet the specific challenges in each country. With your help, this year, we will fund transformative projects in Ghana, Mozambique and South Sudan supporting some of the most vulnerable and marginalized children.
As the new school year begins here, we’re reminded just how crucial a quality education is for ALL children.
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, November 9th
Girls’ education: the crucial link for climate action
Recent data and research suggest that girls’ education is more effective in addressing climate emergencies than many popular green technologies.
Let’s make sure that everyone is given the knowledge and tools to participate – and one of the best starting points is an investment in girls’ education.
Join us on Wednesday, November 9th at 5 pm (EST) for our 17th annual conference to hear more about climate action through girls’ education.TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE.
The Max Bell team presents a roadmap
From left to right: Roberta Thomson, Pragya Tikku, Aiza Abid, Sumaya Ugas, Wanda Bedard, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Sugandha Gupta and Fanuel Sbhatu Gebremeskel
60 million girls had the opportunity to attend the presentations by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy full-time and intensive Master of Public Policy (MPP) teams on July 12th. The 60 million girls case team, comprised of MPP students Aiza Abid, Fanuel Sbhatu Gebremeskel, Sugandha Gupta, Pragya Tikku and Sumaya Ugas, explored the nexus of climate, gender and education, particularly in rural regions in emerging economies, especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The report, titled Girls’ Education and Climate Resilience, drew on interviews and secondary research, as well as many months of engagement with members of the Foundation. The research revealed something we already knew: investing in girls’ education is a powerful catalyst for transformative change and effective climate action. The report offers a roadmap and recommendations to both 60 million girls and its partners.
60 million girls knows that communities around the world are coping with climate emergencies caused by climate change. We know that addressing this topic is critical and, moving forward, we will work to ensure that girls and women, as well as boys and men, have the necessary tools to help their communities navigate the challenges ahead.
To view the presentation, watch the video below:
To read the executive summary, as well as the full report, click here.
Patricia Marshall of the Kiwanis Club presenting the donation to Wanda
A faithful donor
60 million girls is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Montreal and its generous donation of $10,000 – once again this year. Lakeshore Kiwanis has been supporting us for 16 consecutive years! Thank you to all the volunteer Kiwanis Club members for their belief in the importance of girls’ education and for the time, energy and passion they devote to helping children around the world.
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