Young Girls to Great Women

Hi everyone and thank you for visiting the blog and supporting the cause! The last post discussed Marvelyn Brown's book and ways in which we all can increase our awareness about HIV/AIDS by testing our knowledge through online quizzes.

Though globally the percentage of women infected with HIV is ~50%, it is documented that there is a higher percentage of women infected with HIV in regional epidemics such as Sub-Saharan Africa, "For the region as a whole, women are disproportionately affected in comparison with men, with especially stark differences between the sexes in HIV prevalence among young people." (UNAIDS 2008 Global Report, 39; figure 2.10 p.42 depicts prevalence rates by gender) There is also evidence that women are less likely to have comprehensive information and knowledge about HIV/AIDS compared to men. With this in mind and a broad goal of improving the status of women outside of healthcare, there are many programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the advancement of young girls and women: providing educational venues, providing small loans to start businesses; or even providing clothing and basic necessities. Recently various articles have discussed what is being done in Liberia to initiate, promote, and maintain these programs:

Girls’ education critical to Liberia’s revival, says Deputy UN Envoy as she commissions new school
Oct 17, 2008
UNMIL Press
http://limany.org/article_2008_10_17_3551.html

Clinton Initiative Announces Partnership for Adolescent Girls in Liberia
Oct 1, 2008
LEM Press
http://limany.org/article_2008_10_1_4754.html

Here in the US, the Association for the Advancement of Liberian Girls (http://www.liberiangirls.org/) is sponsoring a book battle to encourage reading and scholarship among young girls here and in Liberia:

Liberian Girls Book Battle

Competition starts October 4, 2008, The Battle is set for April 4, 2009

The Association for the Advancement of Liberian Girls will host an All Girls Book Battle on Saturday, April 4, 2009. The Liberian Girls Book Battle is a voluntary reading incentive program for students, primarily girls, in grades 4-8. The purpose is simply to encourage female students to read good books and have fun while competing with peers. The competitions will begin October 4, 2008. For Registration Form and Complete Rules please contact us via email info@liberiangirls.org Registration Deadline: September 15, 2008.

Ø Get Involve and Make a Donation! Click here...

Ø Know of someone who is making a difference in the Liberian Community? Tell us and will feature them in our Spotlight. info@liberiangirls.org

Though the deadline has passed, you can always email to receive more information about the program and how you can get involved. The organization is also planning to host a fundraiser in Maryland in a couple of weeks.

As a testament to how determination, education, and support can help girls become successful, charitable and empowering women, one can look to the contributions of MacDella Cooper. http://www.macdellacooper.org/about.php
states "My dream is to educate as many Liberian children as MCF can support, so that they can later contribute to the economic redevelopment of the country and to make sure Liberia's history is not repeated. I believe that education is the saving grace of Liberia and Africa as a whole. But to promote education, we must first provide the basic needs -- shelter, food, clothing and security."


Please visit these and numerous other sites for more information on how you can get involved in sponsoring and/or assisting young girls in Liberia and the US. You can also take the poll on this site to share your thoughts on the pressing issues young girls face today. Lone Star Health and LAPA believe in the long-term positive results that stem from educating young people on their options to obtaining a healthy and fruitful life. If you know of any other programs you would like to be highlighted, or would like to personally join the missions to uplift and inspire young girls, please feel free to leave a response or email anntukpah@lonestarhealth.org


Thank you!!