Dear Girls of Guinea,

I write to thank and congratulate you and your families for your commitment to continuing your education and learning.

I know that school itself can be challenging, and that finding time and space to do your homework and study for exams requires hard work and creativity every single day. Finding the money to pay for school fees or uniforms can make enrolling and staying in school difficult. Finding the time to do your homework can be difficult when you need to take care of your brothers and sisters or when there’s housework that needs to get done.

But remember, that in committing to your education and striving to learn and grow through your schooling, you are helping improve not only your own life, but also the lives of your family and your community as a whole.

By going to school, staying in school, and succeeding in school, you serve as a role model to your younger brothers and sisters. Each day you are building the foundation and skillset to grow-up as valued and respected members of your community and agents of change for the future of Guinea.

You are strong, and you are smart. Your country is fortunate to count you among its future leaders and will look to you for inspiration. I am confident you will rise to the challenge because your hard work already inspires me.

I wish you all the best in continuing your education.

-Casey McHugh
Program Manager, School-to-School International