two Uganda girls with hand on each other's arm and smile to the camera inside the classroom

I care about educating refugee girls because in many places around the world, where refugee girls are most vulnerable, there is no value placed on them or educating them. The magnitude in which you can help change a girl’s life with education is almost unmeasurable, except that we do know that with education comes fewer occurrences of child marriage, lower likelihood of child labor, a reduction in sexual and gender based violence, a lower rate of teen pregnancy and increased economic prosperity for entire communities.

I am a member of Girl Up and have lobbied legislators in Washington D.C. for the education of refugee girls and other issues. Girl Up funded programs through UNHCR (the United Nations’ refugee agency) ensures girls are able to see a classroom in their lifetime and have the chance to just be a girl. Here’s a breakdown of some of my fundraising goals:

  • $1,000 – sponsors an entire classroom for refugee girls. That means desks, textbooks, school fees, teacher training and more.
  • $500 – sponsors 20 refugee girls’ education for a year
  • $250 – sponsors 10 refugee girls’ education for a year
  • $125 – sponsors 5 refugee girls’ education for a year
  • $25 – sponsors a refugee girl’s education for a year

I have had the privilege to work with and in service of Burmese refugees and built a school in Tanzania this past summer where I saw firsthand the impact of an underfunded school. I think if we believe in the equality and empowerment of girls, then we have to live our values and support educating all girls.

Through the support of my mother’s friends and close family members, I was able to not only reach my personal fundraising goal but almost triple it. Together, we are stronger!

Learn more about Girl Up’s work in Uganda and donate here.

Ava Viohl is a Girl Up Club Leader from Rochester, Indiana.

Share

Give to Girl Up

Your support of our girl changemakers means Girl Up can continue to work toward a world where girls have equal value, opportunity, and the chance to reach their fullest potential. You can make a difference in the life of a girl by donating today.

How to Get Involved

All around the world, our network of a million supporters is mobilizing for gender equality. Will you stand with us?

  1. Careers + Internships

    Become the newest member of the Girl Up team!

    Apply today
  2. Get Social

    Follow us on Instagram.

    Follow Us
  3. a girl who is looking down and using her finger to scrolling the phone
    Subscribe

    Sign up to get the latest news and happenings in Girl Up’s movement.

    Subscribe
  4. a girl with big smile on her face wearing Gril Up t-shirt (close shot)
    Join our Movement

    Join tens of thousands of changemakers from 120 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

    Start a Club
  5. two girls are smiling and writing down notes and sharing a laptop
    Explore the Issues

    All issues are gender equality issues.

    Learn More
  6. Ayanna Pressley speaking on the #girlhero event
    Upcoming Events

    Get involved at an event near you.

    Learn More

Close Overlay