Global Initiative for the Education and Literacy of African Girls Inc.

Overview

The Global Initiative for the Education and Literacy of African Girls Inc. (GIFTED) is a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education to African girls. Founded in response to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping by Boko Haram in Nigeria, GIFTED aims to offset barriers to education faced by girls in Africa, particularly those in conflict zones or areas with cultural gender discrimination.

Mission

GIFTED's mission is to offer free education by building schools and providing educational scholarships to African girls who are often at risk due to conflicts or societal pressures. The organization seeks to develop a passion for education among girls who face threats such as kidnapping, violence, or forced marriage. It also seeks to inspire global support for girl child education in Africa.

Programs and Activities

GIFTED operates several projects aimed at achieving its mission:

• Project Funds: Raises financial support for building schools and offering scholarships.
• Project Hope: Offers hope and opportunities through education.
• Project Build: Focuses on constructing educational infrastructure.
• Project Recruit: Involves recruiting volunteers and partners to support its cause.

The organization partners with schools in Africa to sponsor girl students through scholarships and renovate dilapidated school structures. It also plans to build STEM labs and libraries in partner schools. Additionally, GIFTED organizes science fairs and provides coaching in farming and agricultural techniques.

Advocacy and Impact

GIFTED advocates for the education of the African girl child through participation in seminars, conferences, and membership in international bodies. Since its inception, the organization has attracted attention from government officials across several countries, contributing to policy changes favorable to girl child education. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, GIFTED continues to support girl education globally.

Legal Status

GIFTED is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, headquartered in the Bronx, New York. Its operations are guided by the principles of promoting quality education as a human right, emphasizing the importance of secondary education for girls, and leveraging global partnerships to combat poverty and promote stability.