Educating a girl for a day ‘costs less than a loaf of bread’

Educating a girl for a day costs less than a loaf of bread or a daily newspaper, according to ONE Campaign, an international advocacy group.

The group said an estimated 130 million girls are not in school across the world, and that girls in developing countries are less likely to receive an education than boys.

Serah Makka, director of the organisation in Nigeria, said the group will soon launch a report: ‘Why Educating Every Girl is Good for Everyone’.

She said the report has shown getting more girls in school could save more than a million lives and add more than $100 billion dollars a year to the global economy.

“A generation of adolescent girls is being denied the education they need to get a job, broaden their opportunities, and break the cycle of poverty,” she said.

She added that the group decided to launch its #GirlsCount campaign ahead of the March 8 international women’s day in order to bring the issue to the spotlight, and demand action from global leaders.

“It is a global crisis that 130 million girls are not in school and Nigeria is unfortunately contributing a significant share to this. Renewed efforts are urgently needed,” Makka said.

“Girls’ education spurs exponential positive effects on social and economic development for generations to come. Educating girls secures the future of Nigeria.”

“The #GirlsCount video which features citizens from every walk of life is aimed at getting people to join forces by filming themselves and counting a number between one and 130 million out loud. One film, the group says is meant to represent every girl denied an education,” she said.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Nollywood actress and Nigeria’s main champion for the campaign, narrated her own experience.

“Growing up in Nigeria, I was lucky to have access to quality education,” she said.

“Today, there are 130 million girls globally who have not had the opportunities I have had and are denied the chance to go to school.

“These girls are kept out of the classroom, not by choice, but by poverty, discrimination, violence, early marriage and domestic responsibility. That’s why I am joining with the ONE Campaign.”

ONE Campaign said as part of efforts in drawing attention to the plight of girls, its team would meet with senior officials of the ministry of education in Abuja, and also meet with Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi state governor.

Makka appealed to people who want to help change the lives of millions of girls around the world to join the campaign by counting a number and posting the video or picture online.

“A girl with an education can change the world,” she said.

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook chief operating officer; Asa, Paris-based Nigerian multi-award winning musician; Angelique Kidjo, Grammy Award-winning artist and activist; Malala Yousafzai and Bono, ONE founder, are among those who have endorsed the campaign.