Have you ever caught yourself wishing you didn't have to go? Maybe early in the morning when the alarm first goes off? Or Sunday night after a fun weekend?

In the United States access to free education is your right. But did you know it isn't a right all girls have? Many girls around the world wish every morning that they could go to school. The WISH for what you sometimes DREAD. Can you believe it?

Let's learn a bit more.

Think About

1. How would you feel if education was the only way you could change your situation and you couldn't get to school? What would you do?
2. How would you feel if someone built a school in your remote village but when you went each day the teacher never came? What would you do?
3. What if there was a school right down the street but you couldn't afford the uniform you have to wear in order to attend class? How would you feel? What would you do?
4. How would your school be different if you had to pay money to a teacher to get answers to your questions? 
5. How would your school be different if every student was always thankful to be there because it meant an opportunity for a better life? 
6. Do you believe school is a way to help you have a better life? What would be different in your life if you didn't go to school?

Activities

• School Complaints Jar. Take an old jar, envelope, shoe box or other container. Decorate it with pictures from magazines, drawings, quotes, or pictures of girls around the world. When finished, set your jar in a visible place. Every time you complain about having to go to school, put money in your jar or container and then donate that money to MGA to help send girls to school around the world.

• I Wish, I Hope. After watching this month’s video, finish the following sentences on paper or in a video response for us: “I think… I wish… I feel… I need… I hope… I want…” Use these prompts to start conversations about what you've learned with friends and family.

• Make a Helping Hand Reminder. Trace your hand on a piece of paper. Write on it a few reasons why YOU are able to help girls who need help. For example, maybe you're quieter than your friends and that makes you a better listener. You can use that skill to hear better what people need. Or maybe you're a good writer and can apply that skill to write notes, schoolwork, social media posts to let others know what you've learned. What skills make you special and able to help. Hang your hand where you can see it and be reminded that you have talents the girls of the world need.

Remember

What can YOU do TODAY to help? You are special. The answers to many challenges lie within you. What can you do this very day to help at your own school and for girls around the world? Give a presentation to your class? Start a conversation on social media? Host a fundraiser? Whether you do something big or small, YOU can make a difference.

Additional Resources

• Here are a few great books about the impact education has around the world: Three Cups of Tea (Young Reader's Edition), The Red Pencil, I Will Always Be Right Back
• And a couple great movies: He Named Me Malala and Girl Rising
• And a couple links to other sites with more information from Unicef and TED Talk.