How “Education for Indigent Girls in Africa” (EFIG) started
Gladys Simeon (EFIG founder): As an African woman myself and being fortunate enough to have trained: initially as a teacher and then a lawyer; I can testify personally to how education & knowledge deeply enriched my life. HAVING SPENT THE MOST PART OF MY LIFE WORKING & TRAINING IN EDUCATION & LAW, I AM ACUTELY AWARE OF THE BENEFITS TO IMPOVERISHED GIRLS AND THE VALUE OF EDUCATION IN ITS ABILITY TO ERADICATE POVERTY, ENABLE WOMEN TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND SHAPE THE COURSE OF A NATION.
Being a member of various professional bodies, I have been able to travel worldwide for conferences and seminars etc.; from specialist teacher training in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia; to my work in the United Nations during the decade for women (1976-1985) where I lived in New York and traveled to Copenhagen for review of progress made.
I was involved in the third Committee drafting the Code against discrimination of women and in the sixth Committee dealing with the education of children Documents emanating from both Committees were ratified and adopted by the Government based on my reports.
EDUCATION IS NOT FREE OR COMPULSORY IN AFRICA.
This indisputable fact is the main reason why I implemented my vision of promoting the education of poor African girls who would otherwise be left behind while boys are culturally preferred for education, and their future welfare and development are prioritised.
By giving back to these poor African girls; spiral poverty is eradicated from their lives and communities. This is achieved by EFIG by feeding them daily, paying for any emergency health needs, educating them, updating their skills enabling employment via nursing training or computer classes etc & finally through our EFIG Enterprise Scheme which provides funds to help set the more entrepreneurial girls in business.
“A nation does not rise above her womanhood” They are both at the same level; therefore a woman’s education is important to the rise of a nation.
Above all, as Christians we are enjoined to care for the poor… Psalm 41 v.1-3 for “those who considereth the poor”
Please DONATE to enable EFIG continue doing the good work it has been doing in its second decade of eradicating poverty & gender equality in poor African girls.
Click on http://www.justgiving.com/September-fundraising
Many thanks
Gladys Simeon LL.B
EFIG Founder and Chairperson.