$2.5 Million Initiative: Forever First Lady Michelle Obama steps up advocacy for girls’ education

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is renewing her commitment to global education for girls, announcing a $2.5 million commitment through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance to strengthen grassroots efforts that empower girls in economically disadvantaged regions.

“These groups are changing the way girls see themselves in their own communities and in our world, and helping create the leaders we need for the better future we all deserve,” Obama said in a video released on Oct. 11 to mark International Day of the Girl. “Because when our girls succeed, so do we all.”

If repositoryAccording to Fortune, funding raised through Michelle Obama’s program will go to dozens of local organizations working to break down barriers that keep girls out of school, such as child marriage, gender-based violence and financial hardship. These groups also provide advice, mentorship and job training to young women aged 10 to 19.

Founded in 2018 as an extension of Michelle Obama’s previous White House initiative, the Girls Opportunity Alliance has long focused on helping adolescent girls access education and leadership opportunities. But the renewed effort comes as international organizations warn of declining global education funding. UNICEF predicts that a 24% reduction in aid from richer countries could push six million girls out of school by the end of next year.

“The need right now, I think more than ever, is critical,” said Tiffany Drake, executive director of the Alliance. “We were just in Mauritius and we heard it again and again that organizations need funding. They need support.”

At the Alliance’s recent summit in Mauritius, African and Asian partners shared stories of perseverance in the face of scarce resources. One participant, Jackie Bomboma, who runs the Young Strong Mothers Foundation in Tanzania, said connecting with other women in the network re-energized her.

“We call ourselves ‘watoto wa Michelle Obama,’ which means ‘Michelle Obama’s children,’” she said. “Everyone is so proud to have such a mother who is very strong, very powerful and very loving.”

The fund provides grants of up to $50,000 for specific projects, along with training and mentorship from major international NGOs. In addition to direct support, Drake says, the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance initiative amplifies the work of these smaller organizations through public campaigns and crowdfunding.

“We didn’t want to just say to people, ‘Google how you can help,’” Drake said. “We wanted to give them a place where they can take action.”

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