Communities
Michelle Obama's Girls Opportunity Alliance pledges more than $1 million for girls worldwide
The Obama Foundation's Girls Opportunity Alliance will fund 25 groups in 15 countries with more than $1 million for education and mentorship.
Former first lady Michelle Obama is putting more than $1 million behind grassroots groups that help adolescent girls. The pledge comes through the Girls Opportunity Alliance at the Obama Foundation and marks International Day of the Girl.
The alliance said on Oct. 11 that it will back 25 organizations in 15 countries. The money is meant to grow scholarships, mentorship, after-school programs and other local work that keeps girls in school and builds leadership skills.
A video message and a clear aim
In a video released with the news Obama said she has long believed each girl carries a distinct promise and a special ability to reshape the lives of people near her or even the wider world. She framed backing girls as an investment in a shared future and praised the community leaders who fight for their schooling.
Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation's CEO, said safe spaces for girls create sparks of change in communities worldwide. She said the alliance is proud to stand with groups that give girls education, resources and a path to lead.
Where the money goes
Among the partners is Girls First Initiative in Tanzania, which plans to open leadership clubs at four secondary schools. Weekly sessions will use debates, presentations and goal setting to build confidence. The project aims to reach about 200 teenage girls plus hundreds of parents, teachers and neighbors.
Squash Dreamers in Jordan serves refugee girls and other underserved teens with sports, academics and wellbeing support. Haiti Adolescent Girls Network will train mentors and open 10 weekly safe spaces on health, leadership and financial literacy. Asociación Soy Niña in Costa Rica will grow after-school clubs and parent outreach and Hamro Palo in Nepal will expand school sessions and public speaking circles in Bardiya district.
Other partners span Brazil, India, Sierra Leone, Kenya and more. Leaders of the newly funded groups also enter the Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, a community of more than 5,000 organizers who share ideas and tools.
A longer effort
The alliance launched in 2018. It has since backed more than 265 grassroots projects in 50 countries and reached more than 190,000 girls. The new round sits alongside earlier Chicago grants this year that gave about $500,000 to 10 local groups in the back-to-school period.
