Girl Up Helps Change Lives

By Connie Sears


Every girl in every country around the world deserves the same rights and opportunities as any other. This forms the key message of the Girl Up organization. Through their actions and informational campaigns, they aim to not only raise awareness of the plight of young people in developing countries, but to improve their situations as much as possible through direct fund raising initiatives.

Girl Up is run by the United Nations Foundation, and connects American teenagers with their counterparts in less economically stable areas of the world. One of the easiest ways that people can get involved is by donating five dollars or more. This money, known as a "high five," can go toward many things that girls in these areas might need.

Education is one very important area that is often overlooked in developing areas. Young people may find it difficult to continue with their studies if they are in a situation where they feel they must work to support their families rather than stay in school. For many reasons, it is crucial for girls to be educated, so Girl Up aims to make sure that they do.

Many girls may also never receive proper health care without assistance, which is particularly worrying when one considers that they are also more likely to marry and have children earlier. The risk of disease is high, as is the risk of dying in childbirth at an early age. Helping them get proper medical care can not only improve the quality of their everyday life, it can actually save lives, too.

Abuse is an ugly topic, but it is a very real danger for those in these areas. Girls are at a particularly high risk for sustaining damage that can stay with them for a lifetime, both mentally and physically. Girl Up sees the urgency of this threat, and aims to alleviate it as much as possible through both action and education.

The impact that social media can have should not be underestimated, and it is put to good use here. They are active on both Twitter and Facebook, and new members can easily find them through these means. Their website is also available for those interested to learn how they may become involved.

For those interested, individual chapters can be set up by anyone who wants to take on the task. They offer kits through their website to get started, and support these clubs continuously. They may be affiliated with a school, or on their own, but all are welcomed.

Sometimes it seems like the problems being faced around the world are too big for anything we do to truly make an impact. However, organizations like Girl Up clearly show that this is not the case, and that awareness and involvement are the most important things that can be done to help. They have already made a difference in the lives of many girls, and will undoubtedly continue to do so.




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