Helping adolescent girls to flourish
Adolescence is a critical period of personal transformation, in which all kinds of growth takes place – not just physical but emotional, cognitive and psychosocial.
When girls have strong support and the right set of opportunities, these vital years can shape the direction of their entire lives.
But adolescent girls around the world, especially those living in poverty, still face a wide range of disadvantages during those all-important years between the ages of 12 and 17.
Thanks to child sponsorship, we are working with girls of all ages, but particularly adolescent girls: listening to them and making sure they have the support, tools and skills they need to live the lives they choose. This is important not just for girls, but for the future development of their communities.
In the communities where we work, the girls we meet are passionate, optimistic, resourceful, creative and determined. We are inspired by their power and energy.
On behalf of all of us here at ActionAid, thank you for standing in partnership with girls. Please enjoy reading these amazing stories, which show the incredible impact your donations are having on the lives of adolescent girls around the world.
In Bangladesh
Children’s clubs are providing a safe space for children to learn about their rights
"I visit the children’s club regularly and take part in various activities. I’ve learnt about the rights of children, why we should continue with our education and not go to work or get married," says 11-year-old Shapna.
Child sponsorship has made it possible for ActionAid to establish children’s clubs like the one Shapna attends in communities across Bangladesh. These clubs provide children with a safe space to go: to have fun, share ideas and learn new skills like art and dance.
At the clubs the children also have the opportunity to learn about their rights and the laws that exist in Bangladesh to protect them from risks like child labour, child marriage and violence. Parents are involved too, so they can ensure their children are protected from these risks.
Shapna told us: "I know what my rights are and how to keep myself safe and secure. I have memorised emergency numbers in case of any kind of harassment and how to ask for help. I listen attentively to the meetings and share what I learn with everyone."
These clubs provide children with a safe space to learn about their rights, discuss the issues affecting them and work together to tackle the problems. They are bringing about lasting change to the lives of children in Bangladesh.
In Cambodia
Children are working together to improve education
"I used to be so shy, but a lot has changed for me since I became a child leader. I have more roles and responsibilities," says Sophit, 18, who has been a member of her school’s children’s club since she was five years old.
In Cambodia, children’s clubs are playing a vital role with improving school attendance.
The clubs help children to learn, forge new friendships and build confidence. They are facilitated by the older children in the community, like Sophit, who lives in Pursat.
Sophit, like all our children's club leaders, has taken part in numerous training courses to ensure she can confidently lead group activities, as she explains:
"I have taken part in a lot of activities and training programmes that have given me the opportunity to meet with children that live outside of my community. My studies have improved, and I can now speak confidently with my classmates, teachers, family and other people in my community.
I love to share what I have learnt with the other children in my village. I arrange our group’s weekly meetings where we read books, draw, play games and help each other with our homework."
"It’s here that a member of the ActionAid team will come along to talk to us about different topics, such as the importance of going to school regularly."
These groups are integral to improving the lives of children in Cambodia. It’s not just about how these groups improve education; it’s also about the important part they play in helping children - particularly girls - build lifelong skills and friendships that strengthen confidence and resilience.
In Ghana
The next generation of female leaders are being inspired to lead change
In Ghana, women and girls are regularly excluded from any sort of decision-making. This exclusion happens from a young age, as girls are rarely given the opportunity to stand for leadership positions - like the role of a school prefect.
Thanks to child sponsorship programmes, ActionAid has developed an initiative called Young Female Parliament (YFP), involving over 700 girls from 18 schools.
Participants learn about leadership, public speaking and confidence building. Women from the local government also attend, providing a mentoring programme to inspire and support the development of more adolescent girls in taking up leadership positions in the future.
Elizabeth (21) from Tamale, in Ghana, told us that being a member of YFP has changed her life: "Before, I was quiet and couldn’t express myself, I just didn’t have any confidence. After I attended the training on public speaking and confidence building, I became passionate about YFP. There was an inter-school debate organised by ActionAid for YFP, and I was proud to lead my school to victory.
"I am training to be a community nurse and as part of my exam I needed to stand up and present a health talk. I am pleased to tell you that I did this with ease, and I passed my exam. It made me realise how important my involvement with YFP is - it has changed my life!"
It is inspiring to see how Elizabeth’s involvement with the YFP has encouraged her and changed the course of her life. Many more young women in communities throughout Ghana are changing their own futures, thanks to their passion, courage and determination.
In Haiti
You're helping to provide training on sexual and reproductive health for young adults
Early pregnancy is a serious issue in Haiti - particularly in rural areas. With limited information and decision-making power, young women are rarely able to influence decisions over safe sex and family planning.
Not only are there complicated health risks associated with early pregnancy, but it can lead to child marriage and can bring an end to a girl’s education, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and violence.
"I have seen so many of my schoolmates getting pregnant, it is sad. Most of them don’t return to school, because of shame and because they no longer have the time," explains Anicil, 23, a student in Haiti.
Through initiatives funded by child sponsorship, we are working with young women and men to change this situation. We organised training workshops for girls and boys on sexual and reproductive health to prevent teenage pregnancy and diseases.
Trained medical staff spoke about the risks of teenage pregnancy, and how young people can protect themselves. Anicil was among 109 young women to attend the workshops.
She says: "I want to thank ActionAid for these trainings. It was about time we sat with people that could give us information on how to take care of our body and how we can protect ourselves.
"A doctor explained how we can protect ourselves from deadly diseases, the dangers of unsafe sex and what can happen if we get pregnant too young. She was open with us and made us feel comfortable. I had a lot of questions that I finally got answers to.
"I hope these trainings will stop girls from dropping out of schools because of pregnancy."
By breaking down barriers and accessing information about sexual health, many more young women can protect themselves and continue their education.
In Nepal
More girls are staying in school when they have their period
Menstruation is a normal part of life for women, girls and people who menstruate. But around the world, adolescent girls face many obstacles to staying healthy during this time.
Limited access to menstrual products means girls are often forced to use rags, bark and leaves as makeshift sanitary pads. These methods rarely work and can lead to infections and period shaming. Many girls will stay at home during their periods, particularly because there is no private space at school for the girls.
Thanks to child sponsorship in Nepal, we are establishing girl-friendly rooms in schools where, thanks to a supply of clean, running water and free sanitary pads, girls can change their pads safely and with dignity. In addition to these rooms, we are training girls how to make their own reusable, washable sanitary pads.
17-year-old Jamuna, a pupil at a school in Terhatham, Nepal, says: "With the support of ActionAid, our school has spare sanitary pads that girls can use in case of emergency and there is water available too.
"I have used the girls’ friendly room several times and I feel comfortable to use it instead of going home and missing lessons.
It is reassuring to know that there are spare sanitary pads in the room should I need one."
"I, along with the other 90 girls in my school, can now easily focus on our studies. Thank you for changing our lives."
Since the girls’ room was established in Jamuna’s school, not a single girl has missed school due to her period. Thank you for supporting girls like Jamuna.
In Senegal
You're helping to end child marriage and keep girls in school
Gender inequality is one of the biggest barriers to education in Senegal. Disparities in the rights and opportunities between men and women, and boys and girls, mean that many girls rarely finish the education they are entitled to.
This was nearly the case for 17-year-old Fatou, who told us: "My parents are very traditional and thought it was normal to end my education prematurely so I could marry."
Thanks to child sponsorship, ActionAid is working with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage.
We have introduced girls’ clubs in schools where girls are learning about their rights, including their right to an education.
We have also held meetings with parents (including Fatou’s), guardians, teachers, and school matrons to raise awareness of the devastating long-term impact of child marriage, and to promote education for girls.
Fatou told us: "I am very happy that ActionAid set up the girls’ club in my school.
I learned that I have the right to finish my education so that I can follow my dream to go to university and train to become a teacher. I still want to get married, but not until I’m older.
"I am glad that ActionAid also discussed with our parents the long-term impact of their daughters marrying so young. Everyone now wants us girls to stay in school, just like the boys.
"Thank you, ActionAid for showing our parents that girls should have the same opportunities as boys."
It is inspiring to hear that Fatou is planning to go to university to be a teacher herself. Helping more girls to stay in school, so they can complete their education, has a lasting impact not only on their own lives, but the lives of their families and communities.
Images: ActionAid
Built with Shorthand