Sponsor a Girl – Education and Literacy are Two Miracle Cures

Over 250 million women in Asia are illiterate.[1] Much data indicates that learning to read and write is one of the great miracle cures of poverty.[2] When you sponsor a girl’s education, you are providing a resource that will impact her for life. It will also impact her family and community for generations to come.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) identifies the impact of education in their report: “Literacy is … a driver for sustainable development in that it enables greater participation in the labour market; improved child and family health and nutrition; reduces poverty and expands life opportunities.”[3]

Approximately one-third of South Asian girls do not attend school, and in some regions only one in four girls attend primary school.[4] This lack of school attendance is one driver that keeps the poverty cycle spinning generation after generation. When a parent didn’t attend school, they are less likely to send their children to school. An educated parent understands the importance of school and literacy. GFA World cares about girls’ education in South Asia and is part of the solution.

GFA World understands education of the girl child is important. Here are some benefits for the girl and her community:

Less Child Marriage – It is estimated that one in four girls in the developing world is married before the age of 18.[5] This number drops as the education and literacy rates climb. In fact, secondary education for girls could virtually eliminate child marriage.[6] Keeping girls in school is one of the best ways to delay marriage.

Higher Standard of Living – When children learn, they are qualified for a higher standard of living. For example, when a girl learns to read, she has a skill that is needed in the workforce. Women with a secondary education can earn twice as much as those with no education.[7]
Children attending GFA World’s child sponsorship program in Sri Lanka receive a free nutritious meal

Improved Health and Nutrition – Education helps girls understand the importance of health and nutrition. In school, they learn the importance of hygiene and clean water and how those factors relate to illness.[8]

Greater Community Impact – Education gives women the necessary tools to achieve their goals and participate in social and political discourse.[9] Girl child education is essential for improved communities as these girls grow into women and impact the world around them. Evidence from South Asia suggests that improving female education may have significant health, economic and social benefits for families, communities and countries.[10]


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