Educate a girl. Change the world.

We know that until children, especially girls, are educated, societies won’t change.

Education is the antidote for ignorance, poverty, and war.

Pennies for Peace has seen the positive impact of education on children on both sides of the Pennies for Peace bridge. In the villages of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan an education provides the opportunity to break the cycle of extreme poverty, terrorism, and war.

Children with educated mothers are 2 times as likely to go to school
More then 573 million women and girls worldwide are illiterate
More than 62 million girls globally are out of school

At the same time, as students in our country participate in Pennies for Peace, they broaden their cultural horizons, and come to understand their own capacity as philanthropists.

They learn valuable skills, such as critical thinking and collaboration. The greatest legacy we can give our children is a legacy of lasting peace.

Educating one woman is equivalent to educating several men because she shares her knowledge with her family, her children, and her community.

We have found that there are several factors that contribute to keeping girls in school.

Community Involvement

Community involvement matters because it has shown to increase retention rates in female students.

Why are toilets important?

A lack of toilets is the second most important reason girls drop out of school in developing countries. Girls who are menstruating need toilets to remain in school.

Why female teachers?

Female teachers are providing girls with stronger role models. Girls perform better in school with female teachers.

Location is key!

Studies show that girls are more likely to attend school if there is a school in their village. And, it increases parental involvement.

What about Safety?

Girls need to feel safe in their school environments. Building boundary walls can often make girls feel safer, especially in more conservative areas.

Early Education

Early Childhood Development increases the likelihood that a girl will stay in school longer. And, it frees up older siblings to return to school.