Two years ago, Ya Marie, a teenage girl from Sierra Leone, was forced to leave school because of violence she endured in the classroom. Without an education, Ya Marie had little hope of escaping a life of poverty. But a second chance helped Ya Marie reach her dreams.
She joined Plan’s village savings and loans youth group in her village and developed the confidence and leadership skills needed to speak out in support of girls’ rights and against the violence she faced in school.
Her passion was not ignored. In March, Ya Marie was selected to represent Plan at a UN meeting on women’s rights in New York City.
“This was my first experience outside my country,” sagde hun. “My mom and sister were so proud. It gives me hope to believe in myself and stand up for girls’ rights. i want to become a great woman and advocate for women and girls’ rights."
Today, Ya Marie is back home doing community work with girls who have left school, and plans to go back to school.
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