Givology - give to learn, learn to give

Givology’s mission relies on the belief that the benefits of good education reach into many areas of life, not only for the student, but for the student’s wider community. UNICEF finds this belief to be true in a very specific way: ensuring that girls receive education drastically improves their own health during pregnancy, as well as that of their children in early life. This is a big deal in developing countries where childbirth survival rates are poor and child mortality rates high. Education may be the key to turning statistics like these around.



Educated girls become healthy women, healthy women raise healthy children

Improving maternal health is goal #5 in the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, on the grounds that, as UNICEF puts it, “Healthy children need healthy mothers.” Getting girls to school is one of four strategies UNICEF has employed to reach this goal, with good reason. Studies by the Brookings Institute show that educating women is the most effective means of reducing maternal mortality, combating childhood malnutrition, and preventing disease in developing countries.

According to UNICEF, girls who receive at least six years of education show drastic improvements in prenatal and postnatal care and their chances for surviving childbirth. This is likely related to the fact that educated girls are more likely to have their children vaccinated against deadly diseases, to provide better nutrition for their children, and are generally shown to practice healthier and more sanitary living habits. Likewise, education breeds confidence and self-esteem, which may help girls avoid activities that lead to HIV infection or violence.



Seeing Real Progress

A study conducted by Larry Summers found that in Africa, children whose mothers had received 5 years of education were 40% more likely to live to age 5 than children of uneducated women. A similar study by the Brookings Institute found that improvements in women’s education were responsible for 43% of progress in reducing child malnutrition around the world.

Imagine how many lives could be saved just by getting more girls in school, or supporting the girls who are currently in school to complete their years of primary education. When it comes to improving the health of women and children around the world, education is a gift that transcends generations.



Each of the above photographs shows a girl currently being supported by Givology's partner More Than Me, whose mission is to get girls "off the street and in to school" in Liberia. Click here to learn more about these and other girls, and how you can help!

Resources
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/0730_mdgs_education_gartner.aspx
http://www.unicef.org/mdg/maternal.html