I don't like the dismal statistics about girls not being in school. They make me feel uncomfortable.  Sad. Helpless. Like doing nothing...

Do you feel the same way?

This problem, like many others in the world, seems insurmountable.  Mission impossible!

So today, as we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, I would like to share about a bite-size way to look at these statistics.

Zoom In and Focus:
Instead of looking at the millions of girls, how about if we zoomed in and focused on 1 specific girl?  In other words, how about if we each decided to help 1 girl stay in school?

This approach - is a lot more "doable". Make a difference in the life of 1 girl. 1 girl.

No longer seeing millions - but focusing on 1 girl.  This "bite-size" approach, if taken by us all, and everybody we know, would erase the sad statistics.

 
How would this work?
We would connect you with one specific girl.   You will receive photos of your girl. Your girl will send you a hand-written "thank you" letter (photo / electronic delivery).  

You and your girl could exchange letters over the course of the year.  You could get to learn more about her challenges and dreams. You could also share your challenges and dreams.

Balu (pictured above) is 1 specific girl that resumed school recently. Donations from people like YOU helped cover the costs of her school fees and school materials.  

I hope that just looking at her happy smile and knowing that she is back in school brightens your day (as it did mine)!  

Here are some responses to some questions that you may have:

How Do I Get Started?
Make a donation or gift of $100 or more today.  Our GlobalGiving partner is offering a 30% matching opportunity today, March 8th.  Donating through their site is a perfect way to get started.  It could also help Develop Africa obtain a bonus prize - if we get the most donations during the current campaign.
 
What If I Cant Donate $100 Today?
No worries.  Make the best gift that you can today to help us secure matching funds.  Then reply to this email and let us know of your plans to donate the remaining amount over the course of this year.

Can I Donate More and Connect With More Than 1 Girl?
Yes - we would love to discuss this further. Write us - we will reply.

What if I Dont Want to Exchange Letters?
No worries - just let us know.  You don't have to write any letters.   

What If I had Other Suggestions / Plans / ideas / Questions?
We would love to hear more.   We are listening and welcome your involvement.  We know we can't do this without you.  

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Thank you for supporting women and girls around the world on International Women's Day and every day!

Let's start today.  By changing the life of 1 specific girl.

Join The Girl Effect

Top-ranked by GlobalGiving

Did you know that Develop Africa was an active, approved, and top-ranked member of the GlobalGiving network in 2016?  Every year GlobalGiving ranks all organizations.  

If YOU donated to Develop Africa through GlobalGiving in 2016, then YOU helped make this happen.

GlobalGiving provides access to donations from several large companies and hundreds of new donors each year.

They provide tremendous training opportunities that have significantly helped Develop Africa grow.  This includes training in efficiency, communication and planning.

The funds that we have raised through their site and the benefits that we have received far exceed th fee that they charge.

We are delighted to be a part of the GlobalGiving network!  With their help we have touched many more lives.