04.20.17 / Category: Impact - Grant Awards

Grantee Spotlight – Common Ground for Africa

In a world where women are earning 10% of the income, it is imperative for us to highlight the need for equality.

Why? Well, these numbers aren’t simply statistics, they are leading to an increase in poverty, slower economic growth, and a lower standard of living. This is the reality for many countries in Africa, especially Kenya where thousands of girls are living in poverty. Unfortunately, it is not only the statistic working against them, it is those closest to them who work against their interests and their immediate environment which is often dysfunctional and harmful. This deep-rooted gender discrimination creates a discouraging perspective of life for women around the country. Circle of Sisterhood is proud to be supporting organizations out to make a change for these girls.

In an effort to combat these realities, Common Ground for Africa (CGA), a grassroots, community-based, organization, has been relentlessly working to help thousands of families in rural communities to improve their lives through education and advocacy. CGA founded and currently operates a primary school with over 400 students, most of whom are orphans and vulnerable children. CGA works with communities to use and adapt their existing technologies and resources; helps strengthen local institutions; and implements childhood education and protection programs.

Lenana Girls High School is one of CGA’s signature programs that takes their model to the next level as a national boarding school that offers secondary education to disadvantaged girls from all of Kenya. Lenana Girls High School will empower the next generation of African women leaders by providing promising young women access to high quality education, personalized mentoring, and rigorous leadership development.

In 2015, CGA requested $4,985 from Circle of Sisterhood to purchase equipment and supplies for a science laboratory to improve the performance of girls in science subjects. Due to little access to science labs, girls in Kenya are unable to pass the Kenya Certificate of Secondary School of examination which hinders their ability to pursue higher education. The Circle of Sisterhood grant was able to incorporate, for the first time, practical science education into the daily lives of their students who initially had no opportunity for education. From microscopes to biology molds the women of the Kenya community will have equal access to education.

Because of donors like you, Circle of sisterhood is proud to assist in transforming the lives of women in Kenya and assisting them in becoming empowered, educated, and key driving forces against poverty. Thank you for your continued support. Donate here today!

This blog was written by Amanda Cacapava, a member of Alpha Xi Delta, just wrapping up her term as a leadership consultant!