While traveling through Europe on a diplomatic trip, First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled the first leg of her Let Girls Learn initiative, her latest program which aims to ensure that girls across the world have access to a quality education.
Speaking in London yesterday, Obama announced that she would be launching a $200 million partnership with British Prime Minister David Cameron to bring educational opportunities to the 62 million schoolgirls in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo that have been “affected by conflict and crisis.”
The funds will be used to improve the schooling conditions in various countries, enroll girls in schools and increase parental involvement in the children’s educations.
“When a girl receives a quality education, she is more likely to earn a decent living, raise a healthy, educated family and improved the quality of life for herself, her family and her community,” the White House said in a statement shortly after the initiative was announced in March.
The program is expected to be introduced in 11 countries in the coming months.