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International Day for Education

Writer's picture: Girls in SportGirls in Sport

Empowering Girls Through Sport, Nutrition, Education: A Catalyst for Change




Girls Reading at a Girls in Sport programme in Sierra Leone
Children enjoy reading together as part of the Sponsor a Champion initiative, which supports their education, nutrition, and access to safe play spaces.

Education is an essential human right, but according to UNICEF, approximately 129 million girls worldwide are not attending school. This issue is particularly severe in the Global South, where poverty, conflict, and deep-rooted gender norms frequently work together to deprive girls of their education. The absence of educational access greatly affects life opportunities, continuing cycles of poverty and restricting prospects for individual and community growth.


We believe in a holistic approach to addressing this crisis. Our work in Sierra Leone demonstrates how structured physical activity, coupled with access to good nutrition and safe learning spaces, can transform the lives of girls at risk.



The Power of Sport in Education


Research consistently shows that physical activity can have a profound impact on academic performance. A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that children who engage in regular physical activity perform better academically, particularly in subjects like mathematics and science. For girls in underserved communities, this link between sport and education is even more critical.


When girls participate in structured sports, they develop leadership skills, teamwork, and discipline—qualities that translate into better classroom performance.


Our programmes provide safe spaces for girls to engage in sports like football and athletics while ensuring they receive a nutritious daily meal of rice and vegetables. This not only supports physical health but also enhances their capacity to focus and succeed in school.




Playing Football in a Field

Breaking Down Barriers


The barriers to education for girls in the Global South are multifaceted. Families living in poverty may prioritise boys' education over girls', viewing boys as future breadwinners. Early marriage, child labour, and cultural expectations often force girls to drop out of school prematurely. In Sierra Leone, for example, only 20% of girls complete secondary school, according to UNESCO. This disparity is not just a loss for the individual girls but for society as a whole, as educated women are more likely to contribute to economic growth and social stability.


Through initiatives like our “Sponsor a Champion” programme, we’re addressing these challenges head-on. By providing monthly stipends and covering school costs, we’re enabling girls from the most at-risk communities to stay in school. This support goes beyond financial aid; it’s a statement that their dreams matter, that their potential is recognised and valued.



Inspiring Change, One Girl at a Time


Sport also plays a critical role in challenging gender norms. In many communities, girls are discouraged from participating in physical activities, as these are seen as the domain of boys. By creating spaces where girls can thrive in sports, we’re sending a powerful message to the community: girls deserve the same opportunities as boys. This shift not only empowers girls themselves but also inspires others to rethink entrenched stereotypes.



A Call to Action


The challenges are immense, but the solutions are within reach. By investing in initiatives that integrate education, sport, and nutrition, we can make a difference from the bottom up, at the local level. Educated girls are more likely to delay marriage and unlock potential, not just in skills and contribution to the economy, but in self expression and creativity, and as equal players and decision makers. According to the World Bank, every additional year of schooling can increase a girl’s future earnings by up to 20%.


We invite international development agencies, academics, and donors to join us in this mission. Together, we can dismantle the barriers holding girls back and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.


The International Day for Education serves as a reminder of the transformative power of learning—not just in classrooms, but on sports fields and in communities around the world.



We’re not just educating girls; we’re girls them to lead. Join us in championing their dreams.


Children eagerly show off their new school supplies given by the Champions Initiative, which promotes education, nutrition, and a safe space to do activity and sports.
Children eagerly show off their new school supplies given by the Champions Initiative, which promotes education, nutrition, and a safe space to do activity and sports.




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