Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for personal and societal development.
Yet, millions of girls around the world are denied this right due to socio-economic, cultural,
and systemic barriers. According to UNESCO, 129 million girls are out of school globally,
including 32 million of primary school age and 97 million of secondary school age. For many
of these girls, second chance education is not just an opportunity, it is a lifeline.
Why Do Girls Need a Second Chance?
Girls face unique challenges that disrupt their education, including:

  1. Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy: UNICEF reports that 12 million girls marry
    before the age of 18 each year. Early marriage often forces girls to drop out of
    school, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependence. Similarly, teenage mothers
    face stigma and lack of support in traditional education systems.
  2. Gender-Based Violence: The World Bank estimates that 1 in 3 women experience
    physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with many of these cases involving
    school-age girls. Such experiences often lead to trauma, school absenteeism, and
    eventual dropout.
  3. Economic Barriers: Families in poverty often prioritize boys’ education over girls’,
    seeing boys as future breadwinners. Girls, meanwhile, are tasked with household
    chores or income-generating activities.
  4. Cultural Norms: Harmful practices, such as child marriage, money marriage and
    female genital mutilation disproportionately affects girls, cutting their education short
    and limiting their opportunities for a brighter future.
    The Role of Second Chance Education
    Second-chance education provides an alternative pathway for girls excluded
    from the formal education system. It is designed to address the unique needs of out-of
    school girls, offering flexible, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
    Key Features of Second Chance Education Programs
    ● Flexibility: Classes accommodate girls’ schedules, especially for teenage mothers or
    girls involved in economic activities.
    ● Support Services: Programs often include childcare, counselling, and mentorship to
    address emotional and logistical barriers to learning.
    ● Skills Training: Many programs integrate vocational training, equipping girls with skills
    to earn a livelihood.
    ● Community Engagement: Programs work with families and communities to challenge
    harmful norms and ensure sustained support for girls’ education.

Impact of Second Chance Education
The benefits of second-chance education extend beyond individual girls to the entire
communities and nations.

  1. Breaking Cycles of Poverty: Educated girls are more likely to secure better-paying
    jobs and reinvest in their families; this would in turn promote economic growth.
  2. Improving Health Outcomes: Girls with education marry later and have fewer,
    healthier children. According to UNESCO, if all girls completed secondary school,
    child marriage would drop by 64% and under-five mortality rates would decrease
    significantly.
  3. Empowering Communities: Educated girls become role models and advocates for
    change, influencing future generations.
    Look into Our Second Chance Initiative.
    Her Voice Foundation runs the Second Chance Initiative, targeting teenage mothers, at-risk
    girls, and survivors of harmful practices like money marriage. Over six months, participants
    receive literacy and numeracy training, vocational skills, and community support to rebuild
    their lives. The program has reached over 500 girls, with many re-enrolling in formal
    education or starting businesses.

How can you support girls in accessing second-chance education?
Second-chance education is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Governments, NGOs, private
sectors and individuals must work together to:
● Expand funding for second chance education programs.
● Ensure these programs are inclusive and tailored to the needs of girls.
● Address systemic barriers, such as poverty and gender-based violence.
We believe that every girl deserves the chance to dream, learn, and thrive. Second chance
education is the bridge that can take them from a life of limitations to a future of endless
possibilities.

Do you know that with $4 you help a girl access second chance education monthly.
Your donation is an access to strengthen the future of girls.