Some of our girls’ stories

Henriette is one of our self-supported students in Liberia. She has lived on her own for many years, and survives by running a small business. “As for my education, thank God for the Girls Education International Program,” Henriette says. “It has granted me a scholarship to enable me to gain my education.”

Rebecca excels in English, literature, geography, and health. According to the principal at Rebecca’s school, she is a “smart, obedient, and hardworking student.” She lived with her mother, but because her stepfather regularly beat her and was generally unsupportive of her desire to pursue an education, she moved to her aunt’s house. She now lives in peace and is benefiting from the GEI Scholarship.

Graciel currently lives with her mother and has never completed any academic school year due to financial problems. “My daughter is all I have in this life, and I really want the best for her,” says her mother. “But my hands are short. I’m not working, and she doesn’t have a dad. But thank God that with the help of the Girls Education International scholarship program she was able to be in school and was promoted to the next class due to the program.” Graciel’s mother continued by saying education was the most important way to help girls. “One can never repay those who are helping our girls,” her mother continued.

Atura lived with her brother and his wife for many years, but was treated poorly by her husband’s wife. She was not supported in her efforts to get an education, and she was made to do a lot of work without any recompense. “I decided to move to live on my own,” says Atura. “Now I’m self supported and in school due to a scholarship program and I’m really grateful for that.”

Rifat, 12, is the fourth in a family of five children. Since her father’s death several years ago, the household’s subsistence depends upon a meager pension and support from relatives. Rifat’s older sister was married young, and has a daughter. Her two elder brothers study at the secondary school in the neighboring village of Buchal, Pakistan.

When Rifat completed her primary school education two years ago her family felt that a primary level education was sufficient for a girl. Despite Rifat’s interest in continuing her studies, she was forced to work in the fields or at home instead. With support from GEI, Rifta now attends secondary school.

Gulzar, 16, is the youngest of seven children, none of whom have received secondary level education. Although her parents are alive, they are elderly. So Gulzar’s brothers are the breadwinners, working as daily wage laborers who earn enough to feed the family. One of her brothers is married with two children and they all live together in one house.

Gulzar completed her primary school education three years ago, but could not continue because her family could not afford it. Gulzar wanted to continue her studies, and knows that her education is very important. Gulzar is an ambitious girl who would like to have a job after her studies. Gulzar’s parents support her desire to be educated, but can’t assist financially. With support from GEI, Gulzar now attends secondary school.