Did you know that 122 million youth globally are illiterate, and young women account for nearly 61 percent of that population? Or that, on average, girls in sub-Saharan Africa receive only six to eight years of formal education? And, that education accounts for just 2 percent of humanitarian aid?*

These statistics make our hearts hurt at Worldreader, especially today as we commemorate the first-ever United Nations International Day of the Girl. IDG, for short, is meant to “help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.” And, that’s exactly what we’re doing: Empowering girls to dream big and live their greatest lives.

With support from FC Barcelona and 10×10, we’re creating global awareness about the importance of educating girls. On the ground, in Africa, we’re encouraging young women like Kate and Rita to keep studying, to keep reading and to keep discovering their potential.

Help make this video viral. Please share it on Facebook wall, pin to your Pinterest board or tweet about using #IDG2012, #dayofthegirl and #basicmath.

Let’s send a message to the world that we’re looking forward to seeing what all these girls have to offer!

   

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*UNESCO stats found here and here.