In Zimbabwe, nearly half the children never attend high school. With 68 percent of the population living on less than $1.25 per day, parents can’t afford the fees, uniforms and supplies needed to send their children to school.
During the country’s recent economic crisis, education became even less accessible. With hyperinflation, teachers could no longer survive on their salaries. Thousands fled the country, and schools were forced to close their doors. As poverty in the rural areas deepened, some children supplemented family income with dangerous jobs such as gold or diamond mining. Others took on low-wage jobs as maids.
With school doors once again open, these children now have the chance to reclaim their lives.
Families throughout Zimbabwe are eager for their children to continue their education. But poverty persists and school fees have increased, so education remains out of reach for many. And girls are the most excluded.
You can help change that – and it will take less than a minute of your time. Camfed, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa, is a finalist in the Chase Community Giving program, and stands to win $1 million, which will allow us to send 833 girls in rural Zimbabwe all the way through high school.
By voting for Camfed at this link you can help us win $1 million to use to send girls in rural Zimbabwe to high school.
Girls’ education is recognized by world leaders as the most effective way to fight poverty and AIDS. An educated girl earns up to 25 percent more income, is three times less likely to be HIV positive and has a smaller, healthier family.
By sending a girl to school, you will unleash a powerful cycle of change that reverberates for generations.
Once you’ve voted, tell your friends! By voting for Camfed and asking everyone you know to do the same, you can help educate hundreds of girls in Africa. It’s a simple way to make a difference.