Asante Africa CEO Issues A Statement On “Let Girls Learn” Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2017
Contact:
Meghan Tisinger
Media@AsanteAfrica.org
Asante Africa Foundation Statement On “Let Girls Learn” Program
Oakland, California — Erna Grasz, CEO and Founder of Asante Africa Foundation, released the following statement regarding the “Let Girls Learn Program.” Asante Africa Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating girls in Kenya and Tanzania. Asante Africa Foundation has developed education and skill building programs to keep nearly 240,000 students in school, many of whom were young girls and has positively changing the future of 200+ African communities.
“The ‘Let Girls Learn’ Initiative is an important step to increasing the educational opportunities for the 98 million girls worldwide who are not in school. Studies have shown that educating a girl is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote development and economic growth in a country. Educated girls are less likely to experience sexual violence, be forced to marry against their will, and have unplanned pregnancies. Our programs have seen first hand evidence of this with a 96% reduction in drop outs due to pregnancy and early marriage. We have also witnessed academic improvement with more girls going to high school. This is because of child rights knowledge, parental support and increased self confidence. Girls will earn 10% more income for every year of education, have healthy babies and instill in their children the value of an education.
Dismantling a program like ‘Let Girls Learn’ is fundamentally flawed and will have serious implications. Imagine the possibilities if we can bring education to each and every girl. Opening the doors to education will help break the poverty cycle, reduce gender-based violence and diminish HIV and STD rates. It will prepare the next generation of women to make a difference.
We urge the Trump administration to continue the ‘Let Girls Learn Program.’ An educated girl can and will change the world.”
*Note — To schedule an interview with Erna Grasz please contactMedia@AsanteAfrica.org
For more information on Asante Africa Foundation please visit click here.
About Asante Africa Foundation
Asante Africa Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to educating children in Africa. Asante Africa Foundation works to address the roots cause that prevents children from receiving an education. In addition, Asante Africa Foundation provides the tools that students need to tackle life’s challenges and influence change. To date, Asante Africa Foundation has trained more than 11,000 teachers in Africa; developed programs to keep nearly 240,000 students in school, many of whom were young girls; and changed the future of 200+ African communities. For more information on Asante visit www.asanteafrica.org.
