Tag Archives: GIRLS WHO ROCK

BIG NEWS! An Anonymous Donor Will Match You!

Skyping the girls from Shanti Bhavan into the concert was an unforgettable moment!

The GIRLS WHO ROCK concert fundraiser at Gramercy Theatre was an unbelievable finale to Internet Week New York! The show was incredibly moving–after Ajit George, Director of Shanti Bhavan, our partner school in India, shared the story of the girls we’re sponsoring (we even Skyped some of them in!)–someone in the audience, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged to match all donations received online, up to $5,000! So, we need your help to make this happen! Please share this link with friends and family to show them why any little donation goes a long way.

Why a $10 Donation to the GIRLS WHO ROCK Razoo Page is Worth It!

1. Donating the cost of a meal, $10, turns into $20! That in itself provides school supplies for a girl for a year. Every year of education that a girl receives in developing world countries changes her future exponentially.

The Park Slope Rock School girls with instructor/MC Michael Thurber perform "Here Comes the Light"

2. You get a free song. Students from the Park Slope Rock School wrote and recorded an original theme song for GIRLS WHO ROCK 2012, called “Here Comes the Light.” They performed it on Gramercy Theatre to a cheering crowd, and if you donate online, we’ll send it to you.

3. You’ll be co-sponsor to an amazing group of girls in India, and you can build a relationship as involved as you would like. You’ll know exactly where 100% of your money goes. The girls we sponsor will be introduced on shesthefirst.org, you can leave notes for them, and we’ll occasionally get to Skype. You might even want to take a trip to visit them at Shanti Bhavan one day!

4. They’ll never forget you. Just watch this:

Click here to donate & be part of our movement this year!

Posted in GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

GIRLS WHO ROCK 2012: Are You Pumped?!

GIRLS WHO ROCK 2012 is finally here! I’m sure you’ve been hearing about this from all over the Internet, Twitterverse, blogosphere and your Facebook newsfeed and can’t wait to see what it’s all about. So here we go:

This amazing concert will bring together the freshest minds in technology, entertainment and the nonprofit sector to fundraise for girls’ sponsorships in India through She’s the First. The concert will be held this Friday, May 18 at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. It’ll be a jam-packed night full of remarkable female artists including American Idol Season 10 finalist Haley Reinhart, whose debut album Listen Up! will be released on May 22nd; Sarah Gregory, of Brooklyn’s Sarah and the Stanleys; Jessica Latshaw, who soared to fame after a video of her performing on the subway went viral; Shin-B, a hip-hop artist who made the world’s first music video with QR codes within the storyline; and mash-up artists The Jane Doze along with emcee Michael Thurber. The evening will feature a special performance by girls at the Park Slope Rock School; under Thurber’s guidance, they composed and recorded an original song dedicated to their peers at Shanti Bhavan.

Thanks to title sponsor umojawa, 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to sponsoring girls at Shanti Bhavan. We’ve gotten to know some of the girls at Shanti Bhavan fairly well in the past 3 years. Jancy, who is now a senior and will be graduating in June, judged the Cupcake T-shirt contest in November 2011 and wants to be a fashion designer. Shilpa Raj is a Shanti Bhavan alum who graduated last year and decided to stay on at the school to teach and work on her memoir The Elephant Chaser’s Daughter. Catherine credits Shanti Bhavan with having taught her how to dream big. All of these girls have bright futures ahead of them, futures they would not have had without the help and support of generous donors.

Through hearing these girls’ stories, it becomes apparent just how important the work done by She’s the First and GIRLS WHO ROCK is. Here is an opportunity for you to get together with your friends, rock out on a Friday night and do something GOOD.

Will you be there? Will you be there to come through for girls like Vyshali, a 5th grader at Shanti Bhavan who contributed the poem featured below to She’s the First’s Voice Your Verse poetry campaign? Will you be there so there are many more girls like Jancy, Shilpa and Catherine, who are able to realize their dreams?

I will be. And I hope you will be too! Get your ticket here to make a difference.

I am…

I am clever, funny and helpful.
I wonder whether I will go to outer space.
I hear my classmates screaming after they finish graduating from college.
I see myself getting medals in my job for doing well.
I want my dreams to be fulfilled.
I am talented, generous and talkative.
I wonder if there is life on Saturn.
I hear the piano playing.
I see myself passing school.
I want to get more knowledge.
I pretend I am an Indian Administrative Services collector.
I wonder whether I will fail.
I cry when I get screamed at.
I am energetic, thoughtful and caring.
I understand others’ feelings.
I say there is God.
I dream of passing school and going to college.
I hope to get more money.
I am hard working, happy and sleepy.

Vyshali
5th grade, Shanti Bhavan Children’s School, India

 

 

Posted in GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Help Us Tweet Our Big News!

Click to get your ticket!

The most anticipated She’s the First fundraiser of the year is finally here: GIRLS WHO ROCK! This Friday, May 18, Gramercy Theatre in NYC will house an unforgettable night of live entertainment. One-hundred percent of ticket sales from the concert will go directly to girls’ sponsorships at Shanti Bhavan in India, thanks to our amazing sponsor umojawa. This year some MAJOR media–Aol and NBC–are helping us get the word out!

Can You Be Our Publicists & Help Us Tweet the News?

On May 18, 12.4 million Aol users will see She’s the First on the homepage as “Cause of the Day.” We are hoping they’ll donate to our online giving page for GIRLS WHO ROCK. During Internet Week, we want to raise $5,000 toward our overall $50,000 goal purely online, to transform the lives of 15 girls at Shanti Bhavan. Help us raise the remaining $4,620 by visiting the GIRLS WHO ROCK Razoo page and leaving a donation–everyone who does will receive the GIRLS WHO ROCK 2012 theme song, written and recorded by the Park Slope Rock School teens, for free!

Copy & Paste This to Twitter! Cause of the Day on AOL.com is @ShestheFirst! 12.4 MILLION eyeballs will see! RT & donate: http://ow.ly/aVAsA #IWNY @GirlsWhoRockNY

Look forward to meeting you, Chuck!

Cynthia & Tammy

Wednesday evening, our very own co-founders of GIRLS WHO ROCK will be on NBC’s New York Nightly News with Chuck Scarborough at 7PM! The show is a combination of news, guest segments & lifestyle issues that reaches over five million homes and can be seen on Channel 161 on Time Warner systems.

Copy & Paste This to Twitter! Watch @GIRLSWHOROCKNY cofounders on @nbcnewyork Wed 7pm, talking about our #IWNY show on FRIDAY! Get tix: http://gwr2012.eventbrite.com

Thank you for helping us spread the word!

Posted in Press News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Daily Life of a Volunteer at Shanti Bhavan

[Editor's Note: This is the fourth installment from guest blogger Isabel Rutherfurd, who is a volunteer teacher at Shanti Bhavan.]

Volunteering at Shanti Bhavan immediately pulls you from your world at home and into a new community half way across the world in rural South India. The day you arrive, smiling faces eager to learn your name greet you to learn where you are from and how you came to be at Shanti Bhavan.

Adrienne Pizatella teaches a 6th grade literature class

Your days begin with the whole school having coconut curry, maybe a dosa (an Indian rice pancake), and a cup of chai before dashing off to start the school day. The classes volunteers teach range from grammar to music to accounting. My personal favorite was setting up a model UN with the middle schoolers as part of their history and government coursework. Each class is different, with the personalities the kids shining through to the center of the classroom. However, all of the students value their education as thy realize it is the key to their future success, and an opportunity for them improve the quality of life for their families.

Everyday, the school gathers in the schoolhouse while students share news headlines and kindergarteners explain a virtue like kindness through a short skit they’ve rehearsed with their classmates. These always promise a few “aws” and chuckles, as well as a chance for the young ones to bask in the limelight.

Later in the day, kids get a chance to unwind while the volunteers oversee a game of basketball or soccer. The physical activity is a great break for everyone from the academic collaboration between volunteer and student that happens throughout the day. Volunteers share their knowledge and experiences with the whole community of Shanti Bhavan, and in return, grow meaningful relationships with the students who look up to them as role models. It is an incredible experience that makes every volunteer feel lucky to have had!

Isabel Rutherfurd poses with her 5th grade students after performing a bhangra dance with the other volunteers

Want to help more girls learn to dream big at Shanti Bhavan? Come out to the GIRLS WHO ROCK show in New York City on Friday, May 18th. Check out additional details about the concert including talent line-up and buy your tickets here! You can follow along on Twitter (of course!) at @girlswhorockny | @shesthefirst | #GWR2012

Posted in Shanti Bhavan | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

GIRLS WHO ROCK Concert Raised $17,000+ for She’s the First!

Have you ever wondered what you can accomplish when you combine music, technology, and a passion for girls’ education? We can tell you the answer: Over $17,000 in sponsorships for 29 girls!!

On June 10, the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert brought together music artists JoJo, Nikki Jean, Eddy, KimberlyNichole, Nina Sky, and DJ Kiss, with live-tweeting and a dancing robot during this summer’s Internet Week New York — and raised enough money to send 29 girls to school at the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda! This is a huge jump from the first GIRLS WHO ROCK concert, which proudly sponsored three girls in Tanzania with $6,000.

GIRLS WHO ROCK 2011 from GIRLS WHO ROCK on Vimeo.

John Wanda, founder of AAH, returned from his summer trip to Uganda, where he told the girls all about She’s the First and the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert. Check out these photos he brought back — some of the girls share what they want to be the first to do!

They’ll be sending us their pictures and letters soon, and we’ll post their letters on the blog so you can write back. We can’t wait to meet them!

Thank you to EVERYONE — attendees, CauseVox page donors, GIRLS WHO ROCK production team, tweeters, etc. — who supported GIRLS WHO ROCK!

Posted in GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Did You Miss GIRLS WHO ROCK? Catch Up & Donate Here!

John Wanda, founder of Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, took the stage to talk about girls' education.

Did GIRLS WHO ROCK actually happen?! It feels like a dream! At Gramercy Theatre, JoJo surprised us with the world premiere of her new title track, “Jumping Trains”; Nikki Jean, Eddy, and KimberlyNichole left an unforgettable first impression on the audience; Nina Sky got people dancing with their signature hits “Move Ya Body” and “Beautiful People”; Heather Knight showed us how a robot can rock out, too; DJ Kiss’ beats and Touré’s words kept the evening rockin’ and rolling. Their music made a difference!

More than $12,000 was raised – double last year’s concert — but don’t forget there’s still an online campaign to factor in: girlswhorock.causevox.com. We aim to raise $5,000 from GIRLS WHO ROCK online to add into a grand total – can you help?

$5,000 is the tuition for five secondary school students who are counting on us! There are 18 days remaining to reach our goal. Check out the photos & tweets below — even if you weren’t at Gramercy Theatre on Friday night, you can be part of this movement for girls’ education.

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope, GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Her Story: From Ugandan Schoolgirl to U.S. Photographer

Just Try: You Were Made for More
Guest post by Petronella

I was born in a tiny village in Uganda and immigrated with my family to the States when I was 10. I am the first in my family to attend high school and college in the United States. My parents were the first to attend graduate school in America.

The girl who rocks is my mother. When I was younger, she always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to do and she demonstrated that principle as a mother and as an inspiring, award-winning teacher.

Growing up in the States as a first generation family, we didn’t have much. My mother believed that education would open up doors to opportunities she didn’t have. So my parents enrolled my sister and I in a private school attended by the children of some of the wealthiest families in town. I never had any of the fancy clothes, cars or material things that my classmates had, but at Altamont, I was exposed to new and different people and experiences, which planted the seed inside me to dream a bigger life for myself. I was lucky to have teachers who saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself and encouraged me to work hard, study and try new things.

With every “try,” I took more risks and aspired for bigger dreams. I graduated college with an engineering degree, years later got my MBA and have had many amazing opportunities including travelling to various countries on 6 continents.

I’m so excited about attending the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert and supporting the girls at the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda. Partly because Uganda is a patriarchal society, most girls never dream of lives beyond working in the fields, getting married, having kids and working as maids or housekeepers.

Organizations like She’s the First and the AAHU are so amazing because by supporting girls education in developing countries, their efforts are making a statement to these girls that they are special and deserve the best. It takes just one person who believes in you, adequate learning resources and a good education to dream for a bigger, better life.

To all the AAHU girls, I am one example of a girl who was born in a tiny village in Uganda, dreamed big, studied and worked hard and am pursuing new experiences and dreams all the time. I know for sure that who you and what you desire for your life is special, valid and important. I hope every single girl graduates, goes on to college and pursues their dreams and passions.

I hope to meet you one day and hear your amazing stories.

[Petronella currently lives in the greater New York area and is pursuing one of her dreams as a photographer: by Petronella Photography (www.bypetronella.com)]

Posted in GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Stella’s Story: Education for Transformation

Stella’s Story: Education for Transformation
Guest post by: Carolyn Edlebeck, AAH Volunteer Coordinator

Last week a bright-eyed seventeen year-old girl looked me in the eye and said:

“Teacher, I never knew that girls like me could study in schools like these.”

——

As a young girl growing up in Eastern Uganda, Stella never imagined that she would have the opportunity to attend secondary school, most especially a secondary school in the capital city of Kampala. Stella grew up in a one room house on the sloping hills of Mt. Elgon. Throughout Stella’s childhood she attended primary school at the local school up the hill. The conditions at Stella’s school made it difficult for her to focus on her class work. Classrooms were over crowded, with at least 100 students per class. Learning materials were not enough and students spent all day without eating breakfast or lunch. Stella never received the personal attention from her teachers due to their over-demanding workload and daunting teaching situation. Due to these factors, Stella was never encouraged or challenged to think that she could do something more, become something more. To most, Stella was just another girl, another young face in the crowded class- destined to drop-out, marry early, and give birth at a young age.

Stella

However, this seemingly hopeless situation didn’t stop Stella. Stella continued to attend school daily. She was passionate about learning and strived to be among the best. She took advantage of any chance to learn and did not allow others’ low expectations to bring her down. Although she struggled with housework at night and was often exhausted from her long walk to school, daily fetching of water, and taking care of her younger siblings- Stella stayed up late to revise her notes by candle light. Stella knew that her only hope for a brighter future was through education.

Due to Stella’s high academic performance in primary school and her passion for learning, Stella was given a scholarship to attend a high-level, boarding school near Uganda’s capital, Kampala. This scholarship, through Arlington Academy of Hope’s Secondary Scholarship Program, has given Stella the opportunity to continue with her studies and achieve the future she had only dream of. This scholarship has opened the door for Stella and allowed her to study in a “school like this,” one which she had previously thought were not for “girls like her.”

—–

As I stared back at Stella and tried to conjure up a proper respond to her heartfelt comment I was overcome with emotion. How could a young girl of today not feel she was worthy to attend a decent school, to receive a proper education? How could I help Stella understand that SHE was the one who had worked for her opportunity and that she deserved the scholarship as much as anyone? How could I make her feel entitled to be THE FIRST girl to attend secondary school in her family? Honestly, no response could relay the emotions I felt. All I could do in that moment was to hug her and tell her how proud she should be of herself and how important it was for her to continue dreaming and aiming high. Her future was brighter than ever.

Stella’s comment made me realize the genuine impact Arlington’s scholarships and She’s the First are having on young girls throughout the world: a personal, life-changing impact. However, Stella’s childhood is not unique. Hundreds of thousands of girls in Uganda face the same daily challenges in school and at home as Stella faced. Support for these young girls is essential in order to enable them to lift themselves out of this reoccurring pattern of hopelessness and into a brighter future through education. It is only through higher education that these girls can choose and change their destiny to become what they have only dreamed of as possible. By giving girls, such as Stella, the opportunity to attend secondary school a new generation of girls will be empowered and it is this generation that will lead Uganda’s future.

[Editor's Note: Join us TONIGHT at the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert at Gramercy Theater in NYC to help us support the Arlington Academy of Hope!]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

AAH Girls’ Retreat in Mbale!

[Editor's note: This blog post was written by Caitlin Green and Carolyn Edlebeck.]

AAH girls play at their retreat in Mbale

Arlington Academy of Hope works very hard to raise intelligent and driven students. It is important that the Arlington staff and community continue to inform and sensitize the students, especially the girls, with all necessary life skills for them to be successful. As the young girls at AAH begin to grow and mature, there are many issues that they face as they move from the rural setting to their new secondary boarding schools. Therefore, AAH organized a P7 retreat with the aim of giving the girls an added foundation of self-confidence and understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle before they move on to higher education.

On August 6th-7th, the P7 girls joined AAH teachers on a weekend retreat to St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale. The two-day retreat was full of activities and speakers for the P7 girls. The topics covered included Behavior and Self-Confidence, Relationships, Health, and the future plans. Five speakers from varying backgrounds came to speak to the girls on Friday and Saturday, giving expert advice on many issues ranging from HIV/AIDS, personal health, future goals, career aspirations, and the importance of having good, healthy relationships. One speaker, Justine Auma, was a clinical officer who spoke to the girls about health and hygiene. Another speaker was Pastor Frank Nankunda, who created a wave of excitement for the future and the importance of continuing education. The overall goal of the retreat was to equip the girls with useful and important information so that they could have control of their futures, health, and sexuality.

Overall, the retreat was a huge success! As Nakuti Carolyne in P7 commented, “I learned so much in Mbale. Now, I don’t think any girl in our class will drop out of school. I was so grateful for all the information our teachers and other speakers shared with us. I will never forget them. They have inspired me to have a successful future.”

Between speakers, everyone played games, had relay races, and listened to music. At the end of the retreat, each girl received a gift bag that included two pairs of underpants, a bar of soap, a jar of rubbing oil, shoe polish, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. This was a very successful and fun-filled event, for both the teachers and students. Hopefully, this will become the model for future girls’ retreats, because the value and importance of sharing information with young girls is critical for their success in secondary school and beyond.

[Editor's Note: Come support AAH in their mission to empower girls by attending our  GIRLS WHO ROCK concert in NYC -- TONIGHT!]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Her Story: Kakai Ameria, AAH Student

[Guest post by Carolyn Edlebeck, Ugandan Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Academy of Hope]

Girls study at the Arlington Academy of Hope

Ameria is a 15-year-old girl in Primary 7 who has earned the top spot in academics for her class. She is active in the music program, and loves to study. Ameria has dedicated herself to achieving the best education possible, and has received much in return.

Before she attended AAH, she attended a public school in Manafwa, in a district a few hours away. She spoke almost no English, though now she calls English her favorite subject. “That school was fair,” Ameria said. “But sometimes the teachers can’t teach.”

In order to attend AAH, Ameria has to live with her uncle in the area. Her mother is a farmer and her father is a policeman in Kampala. Her mother manages a household of 7 children, cooking, cleaning, and fetching water. Ameria misses her family but enjoys living with her uncle. She gets to see her siblings on school holidays when she is not working on music for AAH.

Her favorite thing about Arlington is the books. “They help me to read and learn. They teach me about the world and answer my questions,” she said.

She hopes to give back to her community by becoming a doctor. Ameria’s hopes and aspirations are fueled by her experiences at AAH and the dedicated teaching staff.

“Before I came to AAH I didn’t speak much English and now I can speak very well. AAH has helped me get a future, to help myself and my family.”

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Her Story: Nabutsale Annah, AAH Student

[ Guest post by Carolyn Edlebeck, Uganda Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Academy of Hope.]

Annah (right) with a friend at AAH

When AAH staff and volunteers arrived at Tororo Girls School to check on Arlington Alumni, Nubutsale Annah was the first to greet them with a warm hug and appreciative smile. Annah is in her third year of secondary school and is appreciative of the opportunity set fourth by AAH.

Teachers at Arlington’s primary school said they miss her enthusiasm, and have no doubt that she will succeed in life. “She was always such a nice girl. Everyone loved her,” Teacher Phoebe said.

Originally from Bukusekye village in the Bududa district, Annah has made the most of her home away from home. She has adapted well to her new environment, making friends and study groups within her class. She enjoys the rigorous academic climate of Tororo and is striving to improve her class rank.

“I like the way they teach here,” she said.

Annah also noted the strict policies of the school. Students are required to pay close attention to the schedule of classes, and be prompt to all activities. Sometimes, she has to wake up at 4am for preparation classes and extra studying, in addition to managing all their own housekeeping within their dorms.

She is the oldest of three sisters and three brothers. Annah’s patents are both nurses in Kikholo, and miss her while she is away. Two of Annah’s sisters attend Arlington Academy of Hope, and will likely follow her lead by attending secondary school and university. Her primary studies at Arlington have helped her set goals for herself. One day, Annah hopes to be a doctor or a journalist.

[Editor's Note: You can support students like Annah by attending our GIRLS WHO ROCK concert on June 10. Our goal is to send 42 girls to school at the Arlington Academy of Hope and its partner secondary schools!]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Her Story: Natsite Lydia, AAH Student

[Guest post by Carolyn Edlebeck, Ugandan Volunteer Coordinator for Arlington Academy of Hope.]

Lydia (far left) along with Joyce Wanda, co-founder of AAH, and two other students

Natsite Lydia is an AAH alumnae in her third year at the premier secondary school, Tororo Girls School. She is quite shy, but disciplined and very hardworking.

The rigorous academic standards at Tororo challenge Lydia. She enjoys school and is willing to rise to the occasion to expand her knowledge. Her favorite subjects are math, physics, and chemistry. Sciences are not necessarily her best subjects, but she enjoys the challenge; one day, she hopes to become a doctor.

Despite the challenging workload, she is involved in extra curricular activities like the Science Club. Tororo offers an array of school programs ranging from a Young Writers Club to the Economics Club. Lydia and her friends socialize by studying together most of the time.

Lydia is accustomed to hard work and being self-sufficient. She is the oldest of one bother and three sisters. Both of her parents live in Mataya, in the Bududa district, and work as farmers. She is the first in her family to attend secondary school. On holidays, she gets to spend time with them, in between the Arlington holiday program.

Her previous teachers call Lydia a hardworking, and obedient student.
“She has never had any problems in school. A great girl. And involved in the school choir,” Teacher Phoebe said.

Lydia looks forward to finishing secondary school and moving on to University and is thankful for the foundation she obtained at Arlington.

[Editor's Note: You can help support girls like Lydia by attending our GIRLS WHO ROCK concert on June 10 in NYC, where we'll work to send 42 girls to school at Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda!]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

My Life in School as a Girl

Earlier in the year we introduced you to Kituyi Peninah, another incredible young woman at Arlington Academy of Hope. As AAH founder John Wanda shared with us, Peninah has surmounted several challenges in her life to become a very successful student. Now, hear about her journey from her perspective.

Kituyi Peninah Loyce studies at Arlington Academy of Hope in Bududa, Uganda

My Life in School as a Girl
By Kituyi Peninah Loyce

Hi Readers of the World! Hear good news from the African girl called Kituyi Peninah Loyce living in Uganda, Bududa District and studying at Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH), located in Bumwalukani Village. Our school, AAH, started in 2004. It was my first time to be in Primary One when I was just a little girl, but now I have many new skills from all the important information I learn each day. I sometimes get information from the Internet, my teachers, and also my fellow students. At first, I did not know anything and lacked knowledge, but I now write and I am well informed.

I have been transformed now.

I teach important skills to the community outside whenever there is wrong information or people do not understand. I try to spread knowledge in any way that I can.

I have had so many experiences today, up to where I am now. I always listen to what my elders at home, parents, students, and teachers tell me. They give me great advice which I follow. I do homework, revise my books and ask friends about anything I do not understand. Whenever I have a stress or when I am hurt, or whenever I hurt somebody, I say sorry and ask for forgiveness. I always ask my parents to give me all that I need at school. I am also being assisted by my sponsor who offered to buy me spectacles so that I can see the blackboard clearly. I have difficulties with my eyes because I am a white-skinned African, so my eyes do not always work well. I try to use my eyes carefully, but sometimes I feel a lot of pain. Although there are obstacles, I am well cared for and this support has helped me become so successful and solve my difficulties.

I live with my family members and am so happy that all are healthy and alive. I have my great dad, mum, brothers- Emmanuel, Moses, and Brain, and my only sister Barbara. My dad loves me and has decided to take me to school. I am so lucky that he can afford to contribute to my school fees and I am so grateful for that. My dad also helps me in the evening when I am revising my books. He explains information to me that I do not understand and reads to me when I cannot see properly. I am absolutely hoping I will pass my examinations at the end of the year. Every morning, my mother wakes up early to make tea for us and then I am accompanied by my brother Moses to school. He is one grade lower than me. Both of us work so hard to please everyone who struggles to support us in our education.

As a child of AAH, I am challenged academically to be the best. Although I am not the very best student in my class, I am among the top. So, I am challenged to work so hard and hopefully gain the top position. In our school we have a reading challenge each year. All students are challenged to read at least 50 books. I read during every single minute that passes by. I read by the river, in my house, on mountains, and everywhere. I find any place that is conducive. The theme this year is, “Get smART-Read.”

I know I will continue to study and read hard to be a leader in the future. My goal is to join secondary level and acquire all that I need to pass. In the future, I want to be like the AAH founder, John Wanda. However, I want to set up hospitals in rural areas. I think my future goals can help me maintain and support my family because they give me so much help. My interest is to continue with my studies so that I can be very smart like all the good ministers and presidents of the world. I have always wanted to be a professional writer because I have enough resources to help me reach this goal. At AAH, we have a library and we can check out books to read.

I have been transformed now.

In our rural community, I feel so sorry for fellow children who are forced to leave school because of certain conditions and I pray for them. Many other young girls do not have the necessary support and are neglected by their fathers. These girls cannot finish school and do not get an education. Therefore, young women end up having no job. Girls, like me, need to fight challenges and read hard; we all must struggle for our future! As for me, I want to continue with my studies to become useful to society and a caring mother in the future. These goals will help me to become an independent woman and succeed in achieving my dreams.

I am Kituyi Peninah Loyce, a girl being transformed by education.

[Editor's Note: Support the efforts of Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, where Kituyi attends school, by rocking out with She's the First on June 10 at the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert in NYC!]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Namome Asha’s Story

Today we have a special treat: We get to hear the story of one of the girls from Arlington Academy of Hope! This extraordinary young woman is just one example of the students at Arlington Academy of Hope that will be supported by the GIRLS WHO ROCK. So, without further ado, meet Namome Asha:

Asha studying at the Arlington Academy of Hope

Self Expression
by Namome Asha

My Story

I am called Namome Asha Anne and am in Primary Seven at Arlington Academy of Hope. I began studying at Arlington in Primary One in 2004. It has been a very good school for me. Arlington has helped me very much. My sponsors have helped me pay for my school fees and this has enabled me to get a good education. My education has opened up the world to me. It has helped me become a very strong young girl and I am successful in my studies.

Education has helped me become so successful.

My family consists of 8 members, three boys and five girls. One of my brothers has just completed his advanced level education. However, my family is just doing fair. My parents are not very well off, but I struggle hard to help them. For now, I do not live with my real parents. I live with Uncle John’s family.  They picked me from my father’s home because they saw he was unable to pay my school fees. They have managed to keep me up to now in Primary Seven and I thank them for that care for me. God bless them. They have supported my education so much.

At my school, Arlington Academy of Hope, we have so many activities. Every year, we practice and participate in the music competitions. This year we have advanced through three levels and the fourth level is the final National Competition. We have won all the three levels, and all that is remaining is nationals. We pray hard to win.

We also go for educational tours every 3rd term each year. From P.2 to P.3, they tour Mbale regions. From P.4 to P.5, they tour Jinja and the rest of P.6 and P.7 tour Kampala region. We are so glad for these tours. All our thanks go to the sponsors and also the U.S.A. board for sponsoring us to go on these trips. Arlington Academy of Hope has helped us, as young students, do and see things were never dreamed were possible.

"I would like to request to you, a global network of women, to help girls know how to solve such problems."

I have faced many challenges in my life.  Some of them, like math, seem to be hard for me. But, I have made sure that I ask my friends and teachers for help. At school, we have a Reading Challenge every year. In last year’s challenge, I was able to read 65 books. For this year, I should be challenged to read more than 100 books! I work hard towards the promise to read many books so that I can be pleased with myself. I also have a challenge to work extremely hard to pass my Primary Leaving Examinations this year. My goal is to pass with flying colors!

As young girls in a rural community, we face a lot of problems and challenges. We tell problems to our Senior Woman teacher who helps us so much. Some of them are solved, but some are not solved. Some of the problems facing women of the world are defilement, rape, and kidnapping. I would like to request to you, a global network of WOMEN, to help girls know how to solve such problems. Many parents do not care, even if we tell them.

There are other challenges facing woman in education and in the world.  Some women sell themselves on streets as prostitutes and then leave their education. Other women or girls feel that they are not as strong as men or boys.  They feel that they cannot hold some jobs like president, professor, etc. It makes them neglect themselves and their education as well. Other women or girls drop out of school when they are very young, leading them to be less educated. Those are some of the challenges facing women and education today. These problems are real and are causing the girls to remain a “step down” from boys.

My hope for the future is to join secondary school next year. I hope to learn and continue in school with my studies until I complete them. My hope also is to work hard and get good grades in my upcoming mock examinations. Some of my dreams for the future are to finish university and get a master’s degree. Another dream is to become the President of Uganda. I hope my dreams will pass through and be fulfilled by working hard.

It is so important to continue with my education because it will help me in various ways in my life.  This will enable me to get a very good job in the future. It will help me to stay safe from diseases like HIV/AIDS, which cannot be cured. I will be able to have a good husband and family in the future. Continuing with my education will help me to be useful to my fellow brothers, sisters, parents, and relatives.  It will enable me to be so successful in my life.

[Editor's Note: If you would like to help Asha continue her education and also enjoy an awesome evening of live music in NYC, buy your tickets at www.girlswhorock.org! ]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope, GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

AAH Runners Go for the Gold

Doreen Watsema receiving her medal and 50,000 shillings

Running for enjoyment and exercise is not an activity practiced or understood by many people who live out in the hills of Bududa, Uganda. Many Ugandans in this area spend their days fetching water, digging in their fields, walking long distances to school or market, and grazing their cows. Therefore, the idea of spending energy on the task of running when it serves no purpose seems, well… silly. You can imagine that it was quite a sight, then, when locals began to see a group of AAH teachers and students running past their homes every evening for the past few months. But after a few weeks, this “event” became routine and people no longer just stared — they cheered everyone on up the hills, and a few brave onlookers even joined the runners.

The running started because AAH was asked to participate in a 5km/10km Fun Run Race, organized by the International School of Uganda (ISU). The race, held on April 3rd, required preparation. In the months before the race, Arlington athletes met every evening to run and train. This training created a great sense of camaraderie between all teachers, students, and community members.

Although this event was new for AAH, this was the 10th year the International School of Uganda held its charitable Fun Run. For 2011, Arlington Academy of Hope was chosen as one of the beneficiaries from the event and all proceeds would directly benefit AAH programs. This was a major privilege for AAH since it is one of ISU’s four partner schools in Uganda. This strong partnership has allowed AAH and ISU teachers to exchange teaching ideas and strategies through ongoing teacher trainings and exchanges.

The day of the ISU Fun Run was something truly magical for the 18 participants that ran on behalf of Arlington Academy of Hope. Each teacher and student felt important because they were representing AAH as athletes in Kampala. Lornah Bisiku, a seventh grade AAH student, remarked on UBC radio that the only time she had been in Kampala was last year for the AAH school field trip. She said she felt so special because she got to be an active participant. All AAH representatives performed well and made AAH proud by happily bringing home 7 medals — 5 students and 2 teachers came out on top!! A few students, who won medals and money, were motivated to continue running and decided to spend their prize money to buy their own pairs of running shoes to practice in.

A month later, students and teaches still proudly wear their medals to school. These examples explain the invaluable exposure these students and teachers experienced due to the ISU Fun Run. After experiencing Kampala and seeing a high-class school, such as ISU, the students were motivated and inspired to work hard to be able to reach such heights again and to continue proudly representing AAH throughout Uganda and the world.

Overall, the event was fun, exciting, and successful. ISU hopes to have brought in close to $5,000 for each beneficiary, a huge step in raising local revenue in Uganda.

Story Credit: Carolyn Edlebeck, Arlington Academy of Hope

[Editor's Note: Arlington Academy of Hope is the for our upcoming GIRLS WHO ROCK concert. Run on over to www.girlswhorock.org to get your tickets -- we'll see you June 10!]

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Arlington Academy of Hope Students Rock!

Here at She’s the First, we are counting down (just 17 more days!) to our GIRLS WHO ROCK concert. While we can’t wait to see the artists rock on, what we’re most excited about is the cause—proceeds from the concert will benefit the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda, a school that provides an education for students from rural areas and poor villages.

But our music artists on June 10th aren’t the only ones who rock—check out this video of Arlington Academy of Hope founder John Wanda as he shares the story of how students there went further than they ever dreamed at a national music competition last year:

You can learn more, buy tickets, and donate to the cause here: http://girlswhorock.org/

See you June 10!

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope, GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Differences Magazine Sponsors GIRLS WHO ROCK!

Differences Magazine. Never heard of it? You soon will! This new online magazine for young women ages 13-22 is set to launch this fall. In addition to providing young women with resources and information on education, finances, and health, Differences also hopes to raise global awareness amongst their readers. That’s where She’s the First steps in!

As their first public initiative, Differences is an event sponsor for the 2011 GIRLS WHO ROCK concert, helping She’s the First fundraise for girls’ sponsorships with our Uganda partner, the Arlington Academy of Hope! “This sponsorship will allow us to show our audience that a group of individuals together with small contributions can make a difference,” said Differences founder Glenda Campbell.

It’s Glenda’s hope that sharing the stories of the girls at Arlington Academy of Hope will be an inspiration to her readers, not only to continue their own educations, but also “to contribute to the global needs of teens and girls.”

Glenda and her daughter, the inspiration for Differences Magazine.

Glenda discovered GIRLS WHO ROCK through She’s the First on Twitter. After speaking with president Tammy Tibbetts and learning more about both organizations, Glenda knew she wanted to be involved. GIRLS WHO ROCK, Glenda said, is emblematic of many of the things that Differences represents: Leadership, education, and global awareness.

I am the first in my family to be involved and own a multimedia company. I would love to become a part of any girl being the first in her family to follow her dream. –Glenda Campbell

Be sure to follow @differencesmag on Twitter and like them on Facebook (they’re looking for writers!).

Posted in GIRLS WHO ROCK | Tagged | 1 Comment

Be a Pen Pal: Write Back to Elizabeth & Grace in Tanzania

The Kisa Scholars in Tanzania are officially back from their vacation and ready to hit the books once again. We love being able to email back and forth with the three students whom GIRLS WHO ROCK 2010 sponsored—Elizabeth, Happiness, and Grace—and hearing directly from them how their time at school is going.

From the looks of their letters, the girls are busy and ready to start their studies! In the comments, leave Grace & Elizabeth a note of encouragement, or a question, which we can relay back in our response! We’ll post Happiness’ update soon.

Grace Lyimo

The following is a message from Grace:

hallow!
Sorry for taking a lot of time to answer you i was having some problems.
I real enjoyed taking economics. as other students i do experience some problems which are normal but i do my best to solve them as i have been taught by mentors that in order to live with people you have to know her weakness and her strength so am happy to be in kisa because its helps me a lot living with people as hear at school we are many people with different culture and comes from different places.
Hope we will communicate more
Have a nice time, till next time.

This is from Elizabeth:

Elizabeth David

how are you doing?I’m fine and going well with my studies,and Grace is doing fine as well.

It feels so good to be on my last year and thinking that soon am going to be in the university but it’s hard work too. It means studying hard so as to get good grades in my mock exam and especially my final exam.

How’s the concert preparation going?Well, I wish you guys all the best.

Lots of love,

Elizabeth.

Posted in AfricAid's Kisa Project | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Original Poetry from a GIRL WHO ROCKS!

By far, the coolest part about emceeing She’s the First Poetry Month is the chance to see all the hidden poetic talents of some already remarkable individuals. We have been sharing poetry from our girls in Nepal and India, and on Tuesday we shared the original poetry by one of our researcher at She’s the First, Arianna Davis.

Today, we are spotlighting an original poem written by Jill Diedrich, the Communications Officer for GIRLS WHO ROCK. Be sure to check out Jill’s debut on the GIRLS WHO ROCK blog. Jill, thank you for your submission!

Want to be featured next? Send your original poem submissions or favorites from the classics to Poetry@shesthefirst.org.

Soul for Thought

Often we lay entwined to other realms of thought,
To escape the life we were brought.

Until the time comes when you decide what you want for the moment:
You strive for it and live it.
Life is about living,
Finding your everything.
Loving your surroundings,

And appreciating the poundings.
Discovering your self-worth from all that has occurred since birth.
Make a difference and enjoy doing it.
Just be happy and make the world a better place,
And never turn your back on the human race.

Posted in Voice Your Verse | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Nourishing the Planet: Arlington Academy of Hope

Great news for our Uganda partner, Arlington Academy of Hope! Not only were they announced tonight as the 2011 beneficiary of the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert hosted for She’s the First, but they were recently featured on Nourishing the Planet! This is a project from Worldwatch Institute that studies programs creating sustainable solutions for the world’s problems. In Uganda, agriculture is a way of life. Arlington Academy of Hope recognized the need for children to not only learn academically, but to learn agriculturally as well. This may not seem so relevant if you’re growing up in New York City, or Fort Myers, where I’m from, but if you’re from rural Uganda, there’s nearly a 100% chance that agriculture is how your family survives.

We are so proud that our Uganda partner, @AAHUganda, was recognized by Nourishing the Planet for its exceptional model of education and sustainability. Let Nourishing the Planet research fellow Molly Theobald tell you more about all of the great work going on at Arlington Academy of Hope:

Posted in Arlington Academy of Hope | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment