Changing the Outcome for Girls in Poverty – Children International Youth Programs

Kansas City, MO, October 11, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Human rights - but more specifically, girls' rights - are the focus of the United Nations' “International Day of the Girl” on October 11. The event was created to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world. Children International strives to change the outcome for girls in poverty on a daily basis through programs that help them stay healthier, become educated, avoid early marriage and pregnancy, and pursue the lives they choose to lead, not the lives they are born into.

The Youth Health Corps is one example of the many Children International programs that help change outcomes for girls. Early pregnancy can be poverty’s life sentence, preventing girls from completing their education – not to mention the risk of death. Members of the Youth Health Corps receive training in health issues, including substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, and accurate reproductive information, as well as human rights. They also become educators themselves, sharing their knowledge with their peers. In 2012, Children International Peer Educators shared this vital information with more than 183,000 youth in underserved communities across the world, as detailed in the 2013 Youth Report.

The 2013 Youth Report also explains how Children International’s youth programs “challenge discriminatory gender practices and restrictions by amplifying educational opportunities and giving young women the knowledge and training to avoid early marriage and pregnancy.”

Children International’s President Jim Cook explains why the organization is supporting International Day of the Girl. He said, “Investing in girls is the key to reversing discriminatory practices that exacerbate poverty. That investment – in educating and empowering girls – is essential. We have also seen that involving both girls and boys in these educational programs helps reinforce positive change within their community and gives the girls the social structure to help reinforce their positive decisions.”

Because girls' rights is such a key element in the global issue of human rights, Children International is dedicated to supporting efforts such as the U.N.'s International Day of the Girl.

Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

 For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Christy Howard

Public Relations

Children International

Click here to watch the video on Children International's Youtube Channel