In its third edition, the program of the Misr El Kheir Foundation of Egypt and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation were chosen. Each one will receive USD 50,000 for their contribution in favor of the education of girls and women and to support the continuity of their program.
The selection was in charge of an international jury made up of experts with recognized experience in the field of education of girls and women from different regions: Gloria Bonder (Argentina), Aïcha Bah Diallo (Guinea), Maxime Forest (France), Hayat Sindi (Saudi Arabia) and Zheping Xie (China).
The Prize directly contributes to the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda, particularly SDG goals 4 on education and 5 on gender equality.
The award ceremony will be held at the UNESCO Paris headquarters on October 11, 2018, in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
About the laureates:
The Misr El Kheir Foundation, Egypt
The Misr El Kheir Foundation’s programmes support girls’ transition from primary to secondary, and the completion of a full cycle of basic education. They empower girls to acquire literacy, life and future employment skills, and support teachers to deliver gender-responsive teaching and practices and to create safe teaching and learning environments.
The awarded project, Educational Opportunities for Children in Underserved Villages through Community Schools, has helped expand girls’ access to quality education and further their career development and life options in more than 290 of the country’s poorest and most underserved communities.
Since 2010, 27,747 children (62% girls) aged 4 to 16 have enrolled in 1,002 community schools in Egypt. A total of 7,000 children graduated, 50% of which are girls. The Foundation is planning to further support girls’ education by establishing three preparatory schools and integrating technology into community schools to enable girls and young women to develop digital skills.
The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, Jamaica
Established in 1978, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation provides continuing education for pregnant adolescent girls and mothers who had to drop out of school. Over 47,000 girls and young women have been empowered through a second chance to complete secondary education and realize their life goals.
The awarded project, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, supports the reintegration of adolescent girls into the formal school system after the birth of their child.
The Centre teaches girls that children of educated mothers have a better chance of being educated themselves.
Young mothers who attend the Foundation are more likely to complete their education, establish a career and find better-paid jobs than young women who have not participated in the program. The Foundation’s project has become a powerful model and is repeated in countries such as Grenada, Guyana, and South Africa.