“Urged by the love of Christ, we choose to express our mission through ministry directed toward education. For us, education means enabling persons to reach the fullness of their potential as individuals created in God’s image and assisting them to direct their gifts toward building the earth.” ~ You Are Sent, C 22
"On this International Day of the Girl, let us recommit to supporting every girl to develop her skills, enter the workforce on equal terms and reach her full potential." — UN Secretary-General António Guterres
As we celebrate the 2018 Foundation Day, we recall that 185 years ago, it was a time of political and social upheaval very much like today. Mother Theresa believed that the renewal of society depended on educating girls and women who were seen as a foundation for a just and flourishing society. In our time, we continue to express our mission of unity through education, which enables persons to reach the fullness of their potential. Today, Oct 11th is the International Day of the Girl, first declared by the United Nations in 2012. This day recognizes the abilities of the girl child and young women, promotes their empowerment and fulfillment of human rights by advocating for their place in school so that girls and women are enabled to contribute their skills more fully to and become change- agents in society.
At present, there are 98 million adolescent girls in the world who are currently not enrolled in school. The International Day of the Girl brings attention to this important issue and marks the beginning of a year focusing on how to create pathways for girls to gain skills for employability and to enter the workforce. The theme for this year is themed “With Her: A Skilled Girl Force”. You can learn more here.
Click here for examples how SSND sponsored and co-sponsored ministries educate and empower girls.
Considering our long history of the education of girls and our new Directional Statement, how would you say that this day breaks open and engages the Directional Statement? Where do you see alignment between this UN day and the SSND mission, ministry and Directional Statement? Where are differences? What can you do in support of this cause?
Enjoy this video created by the Global Girls Alliance for International Day of the Girl 2018!
