This organization has now reached its 20th anniversary, and continues to accomplish much for women and girls. Last year I visited one of its sites in Kenya and was overwhelmed by the warmth of the greetings of the the beneficiaries and the local staff. The latter is key to success of a grassroots organization. This year has seen the dedication of a library and computer center, the only one in that rural region of Kenya. I am proud to have been chosen a board member of the organization.
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A key element in overcoming poverty in Africa is the promotion of the education of girls and young women. Schools in Africa generally require the payment of tuition, so families living in poverty either cannot afford to pay tuition or favor the boys in the family over the girls. For nearly 5 years now, Women's Global Education Project has been working to change that by providing scholarships for girls. In addition to helping individual girls to get an education, it has had a significant impact in changing attitudes toward the education of girls and also on the treatment of females in other areas of social life.
I recently began interning at WGEP, and I cannot say enough about this organization or the people involved. In a few short months I am thoroughly convinced of the benefit of WGEP's work. WGEP's approach is novel, focusing on each girl's success, rather than just the numbers. The programs invest not only in the scholar's education, but their personal well-being and their families and communities. Everything WGEP does is about allowing each girl to realize her dreams and build a brighter future.
I met the Exec. director at a conference, was immediately drawn to her intellect, commitment, experience and most importantly, her understanding of the complex issues involved in creating true opportunities with rural communities. I joined the board shortly after meeting her and have been on the board now for four years! She knows what she is doing, has fantastic, reliable and effective partners in Senegal and Kenya and is creating opportunities for hundreds of girls and their families.
A returned Peace Corps volunteer with a passion to help her family back in Senegal, her effort as a one woman campaign to promote this cause, and the dedication to make sure our dollars actually get where they can do the most...this is what Amy Maglio has achieved in 7 short years with her Womens Global Education Project. Amy called me one day in 2004 as she was trying to generate interest and funding, and that call has resulted in my continued support and promotion. The growth has been exponential from one family to 58 rural communities in two countries, from a few to 370 scholarship students, from a dream for a better life for those she loved to reality, Amy has personified the girl effect.