Feb, 2024
Young Women Break Barriers To Make it to University
A number of challenges confront the small communities in the North Governorate of Lebanon. Among the more pressing issues for young people is the threat of child marriage. In recognition of the harmful impact of early marriage, Anera is leading an initiative dedicated to securing a brighter future for young girls.
Anera's early and forced child marriage prevention project focuses on identifying girls in Lebanon who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school due to financial constraints and are vulnerable to early marriage. Through a combination of financial support and awareness sessions, the project aims to empower families to keep their daughters in school.
The project ensures the continuity of these girls' education until their graduation, fostering their intellectual growth. By doing so, it enables them to reach adulthood with the agency to choose their own future and make mature decisions about whether to pursue marriage and higher education, thereby safeguarding their physical and mental well-being.
Nagham is one of the program participants. She is a determined computer science and management information systems student at the Lebanese University and a Palestinian refugee residing in Lebanon.
Reflecting on her journey with Anera, Nagham says, “Since I met with the Anera team and we received the grant, I was able to continue my education and focus on my studies, without worrying about the financial burden on my parents in this bad economy.”
With support from Anera, Nagham was able to afford school supplies and other necessities, alleviating the strain on her family. Her dedication to her studies knows no bounds.
"I was able to continue my education and focus on my studies, without worrying about the financial burden on my parents in this bad economy.”
“I fulfilled my dream to continue my education,” she says. “Now I am studying two majors… both are advanced fields in technology and both have big potential to provide me with a good future.”
Nagham dreams of graduating, exploring the world, and supporting her family through her endeavors.
Her father, voicing pride and support, says, “With a little help from us and a little help from Anera, we were able to get Nagham to where she needs to be in order to fulfill her ambitions.” He emphasizes the importance of community support in enabling young girls to thrive.
“I hope that all parents will encourage their daughters to pursue education and work opportunities that they have access to, because in these difficult times they will be more able to support themselves and their families.”
Dana, a healthcare student at the Lebanese University from Syria, recounts her journey to success.
“Thanks to the grant, I was able to get private lessons and sign up for a learning platform to aid in my studies, which helped me graduate with merit among the top students in my high school.”
The support she received enabled her to secure a coveted spot in the Faculty of Health at the Lebanese University. Dana's story is an example of how simple support can give youth a push to unlock their full potential.
The impact of this project is beyond protecting young girls and helping them stay in school. Sidra, a social sciences student at the Lebanese University from Akkar, Lebanon, hopes to spark positive change in her community.
“My dream is to benefit my community, especially my village in Akkar. I want to raise awareness and influence how people think, especially in older generations, some of whom might believe that girls shouldn’t finish their education.”
“I want to raise awareness and influence how people think, especially in older generations, some of whom might believe that girls shouldn’t finish their education.”
Dana
Sidra
Sidra
For Sidra, education is not just a means to an end but a catalyst for societal transformation. “I believe that empowering girls to pursue their education is key,” she affirms. “After completing education, everything falls into place at the right time.”
“I believe that empowering girls to pursue their education is key.”
This project by Anera is not just about keeping girls in school; it's about empowering them to rewrite their futures, defy stereotypes, and become agents of change in their communities. Through financial support, awareness and guidance, the project paves the way for a brighter future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, dream, and realize her full potential.
