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Cover Story

Grades 4-6

Making Sure Girls Count

By Vickie An

More than 600 million girls live in poverty in the developing world. Many of them are not in school and are not given the same opportunities as boys. New programs are aimed at helping girls and their families succeed.

Elina Seketsani dreams of being a teacher one day. Elina, 15, is from Dedza, a district near the capital of Malawi, in southeast Africa. Her teachers say she's a smart girl who has a bright future. But just a few years ago, Elina wasn't even sure she would finish the fourth grade.

When Elina was 9, she dropped out of school to work as a babysitter. She had to support her family. "I felt sad that other children were going to school when I was not," Elina says. "My hopes of making it as a teacher were shattered."

In poor countries like Malawi, hunger and disease are part of daily life. So it's not unusual for girls to be pulled from school if their families need extra help. It's also common for girls to be less valued than boys, says Brad Kerner of Save the Children. The organization works with kids in developing nations. "When a family doesn't have money to send all the kids to school, they'll send the boys first," Kerner told TFK.

The unequal treatment of girls is a big problem in many parts of the globe. But a new campaign from the Nike Foundation hopes to show everyone that girls can be the solution to ending poverty, disease and other global issues. It's called the "girl effect."

Save a Girl, Save the World

According to the girl effect theory, one girl can make a positive change in the world, as long as she's given a chance to succeed. An extra year of secondary school can boost a girl's earnings by as much as 25%. If the 600 million girls in the developing world who live in poverty increased their earnings, it could lift the world economy.

Studies show that women are more likely than men to spend their paychecks on their families. With women working, children are more likely to stay in school, be better fed and be healthier.

Learning to Lead

Several organizations around the world are putting the principles of the girl effect into action. Empowering Girls to Learn and Lead is a CARE program. In Malawi, it is helping more than 15,000 girls. Reading circles, science camps, sports clubs and other activities promote girls' education. Leadership training is key. "When you educate a girl, her whole family and community benefit," says Sarah Bouchie, director of the Girls' Education unit at CARE.

Save the Children in Malawi encourages girls to stay in school and teaches them basic business skills that they can use in the real world. While the main focus is on girls, Kerner says an important part of the project is teaching boys to respect and support girls in their communities.

A Second Chance

Elina Seketsani was determined to go back to school. At 13, she re-enrolled and started the fifth grade. With encouragement from Save the Children, Elina has excelled. She is now a role model for other girls. "Get an education," she advises them. "You will be enlightened." "As for me," she adds, "I am working hard to realize my dream of becoming a teacher."

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