Education is the greatest gift you can give this Christmas
We are delighted to share that thanks to the generous support of everyone who took part in our Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021, we have exceeded our target and raised over £90,000!
Everyone who donated had their gifts doubled, thanks to our Pledgers and our 'Champion' - the Coles-Medlock Foundation. We raised £90,400 in total, which will make a huge difference to our work.
Everyone who donated be contributing to supporting and promoting girls’ education at secondary level in Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda; at technical level in Uganda and Kenya; and at tertiary level in Sudan, South Sudan, the UK, and Kenya. Additionally, the funds raised this week will allow Windle International to advocate, research, monitor and innovate for girls’ education at the international level.
Gender equality in education
Around the world, over 130 million girls are out of school. Conflict drastically reduces opportunities for girls to continue their education. Girls in conflict-affected areas are 90% more likely to be out of secondary school than those living in areas without violence.
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in Africa, girls have struggled significantly to access education. This has been caused by many factors, including increased childcare responsibilities and household chores, while male peers were able to continue their studies from home. For example, in South Sudan, our member Windle Trust International reported that the number of girls enrolled in primary and secondary schools decreased by 84% when schools reopened after the national lockdown.
Girls transform society
But investing in girls' education will change the world.
When girls are educated, everyone benefits. Educated girls mean stronger economies, fairer societies and more resilient communities. They are better able to make decisions for themselves and their families and take part more meaningfully in conversations that affect them. Educating girls leads to more peaceful and equitable societies, where boys, girls, men and women can reach their true potential.
Your impact doubled
Every year Windle International helps over a million refugees, people who have been affected by conflict, and those who have been marginalised in society to access quality education and training. With your support this year, we'll be able to intensify our work and help even more women and girls.
The money we've raised during the campaign will be invested in girls’ education, both through scholarships for girls and through advocacy with communities, governments and partners, to ensure that girls throughout eastern Africa have access to safe and good quality educational opportunities. Your gift will help provide girls with training in skill areas such as IT, water engineering, teaching and the health sector.
Thank You!