St Margaret's College 2017 Autumn Evergreen Magazine Evergreen Autumn 2017 online | Page 8

EGG – Educating Girls Globally
Gussie Cohen & Lucy Tothill
Our organisation, Educating Girls Globally (EGG), was established in our final year at St Margaret’s College
in 2013. Our aim that year was to increase the standard of, and access to, girls’ education globally. By uniting
a global network of young leaders with a common passion for social justice, we have completed a number
of construction projects at girls schools in Malawi.
At these schools the girls face many challenges in just going to school. Traditional gender roles and cultural
beliefs mean that education is not within reach for many girls in Malawi. Multiple factors are at play such
as early marriage, the dangers of commuting to school, as well as the expectations and responsibilities
of girls within the household. Furthermore, a lack of adequate infrastructure and funding for teaching and
learning resources results in a poor standard of education for girls.
After four years, we decided it was time to fly over and see the projects that have been funded, as well
as identify future construction opportunities. It was heart-warming to visit Lilongwe Girls’ School, where
EGG has funded a number of projects. The girls and staff were extremely grateful for the improvements
that have been made to their school, including a new security wall and bathroom facilities. Previously, the
students had been missing valuable class time while waiting for the one useable toilet on site, and vendors
on the street posed a huge threat to the girls’ wellbeing. With these basic necessities now provided for,
we look forward to funding classroom facilities at Lilongwe Girls’ in the future.
The girls we spoke to told us they want to break cultural barriers
and become doctors, teachers and bank managers. With the support that many
of you continue to give to EGG, their dreams can be realised.
6. EVERGREEN