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EGG – Educating Girls Globally<br />
Gussie Cohen & Lucy Tothill<br />
Our organisation, Educating Girls Globally (EGG), was established in our final year at St Margaret’s College<br />
in 2013. Our aim that year was to increase the standard of, and access to, girls’ education globally. By uniting<br />
a global network of young leaders with a common passion for social justice, we have completed a number<br />
of construction projects at girls schools in Malawi.<br />
At these schools the girls face many challenges in just going to school. Traditional gender roles and cultural<br />
beliefs mean that education is not within reach for many girls in Malawi. Multiple factors are at play such<br />
as early marriage, the dangers of commuting to school, as well as the expectations and responsibilities<br />
of girls within the household. Furthermore, a lack of adequate infrastructure and funding for teaching and<br />
learning resources results in a poor standard of education for girls.<br />
After four years, we decided it was time to fly over and see the projects that have been funded, as well<br />
as identify future construction opportunities. It was heart-warming to visit Lilongwe Girls’ School, where<br />
EGG has funded a number of projects. The girls and staff were extremely grateful for the improvements<br />
that have been made to their school, including a new security wall and bathroom facilities. Previously, the<br />
students had been missing valuable class time while waiting for the one useable toilet on site, and vendors<br />
on the street posed a huge threat to the girls’ wellbeing. With these basic necessities now provided for,<br />
we look forward to funding classroom facilities at Lilongwe Girls’ in the future.<br />
The girls we spoke to told us they want to break cultural barriers<br />
and become doctors, teachers and bank managers. With the support that many<br />
of you continue to give to EGG, their dreams can be realised.<br />
6. EVERGREEN