Michelle Obama Announces Global Initiative to Help Educate Girls

Former First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Global Girls Alliance, a program within the Obama Foundation to empower and educate adolescent girls around the world. She made the announcement at Today Show on Oct. 11, the International Day of Girls.

According to a press release obtained by EBONY.com, more than 98 million adolescent girls are not in school, but research proves an educated girl can help to improve her family, community and country.

The Global Girls Alliance will work with grassroots leaders around the world to advance the efforts of local organizations and people working to educate every girl. The organization will also drive specific commitments through GoFundMe and encourage young people in the developed world to join the Alliance.

“I’m thrilled to announce the Obama Foundation’s launch of the Global Girls Alliance,” Obama said in a statement. “We want to lift up the grassroots leaders in communities all over the world who are clearing away the hurdles that too many girls face. Because the evidence is clear: educating girls isn’t just good for the girls, it’s good for all of us.”

The former first lady said she was inspired by a trip to a high school in Unification Town, a small village outside of Monrovia, Liberia.

Learn more at GlobalGirlsAlliance.org