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We admitted our Twenty-Fourth student to Timothy Girls College today and it was so wonderful to be able to help this girl. Her story is all too common here unfortunately. She finished Senior 4 last year with strong results and was admitted to the local secondary school this year to complete her A-Levels in Science. She is probably about 15 or 16 years old.

Despite the academic promise she showed, she did not go to school for first term. Her father had refused to pay the school fees, as his plan was to marry her off so that he didn't have to be responsible for her anymore. The girl's aunt brought her to us today to see if we could help. This lady is a Headmistress of a primary school, so she knows the value of an education for girls, but she was unable to pay the full fees as she has several other children for whom she is responsible. After hearing about the situation, we assured them that the girl needed to be here and arranged a fee subsidy so that she could stay here and finish her education.

This girl's arrival today is a valuable reminder of how important it is for our school to offer a quality education. We aim to provide the knowledge, skills and attitudes to equip these girls to become independent and strong leaders in their communities and work for change. Educating young women is so important to a society's development and I feel so privileged to be a part of this project that can make such a difference.

If you want to help provide more spaces for needy girls to study here at Timothy Girls College, you can donate to a TGC scholarship fund. Contributing to this fund allows us to offer more subsidies to other deserving girls who would benefit so much from a chance to complete their education.

Contact the Pacific Academy Outreach Society for more information. www.paoutreach.net

our students' campaign posters for the position of Head Girl--leaders in the making!