Spelman College Students Buck Traditional Spring Break Trends
ATLANTA, March 2 /PRNewswire/ — For 125 years, Spelman College has maintained ties with the continent of Africa through missionary programs, internships and various academic programs. Current students are building on this legacy through their support of the 10,000 Girls program in Senegal, West Africa. Instead of heading to sun-filled, sandy beaches or the comforts of home for spring break, 13 students will make the journey to Senegal on March 3, to teach and encourage a community of young girls to become successful entrepreneurs, employees and active citizens.
Launched by the Women’s Health Education and Prevention Strategic Alliance, or WHEPSA, in 2001, the mission of 10,000 Girls is to offer education and employment opportunities to girls in rural Senegal. This self- sustaining program, run by the girls themselves, is designed to enable young girls to develop as self-reliant and capable women.
“The 10,000 Girls mission coincides with Spelman’s mission to focus on developing the total person through academic excellence and leadership,” said Ouleye Ndoye, C’07, president of Spelman’s Student Government Association.
Through the leadership of SSGA, Spelmanites have raised awareness about 10,000 Girls across the Atlanta University Center. The organization also partnered with the Morehouse College Student Government Association to raise funds for the program. To date, more than $3,100 has been generated in support of the program. Spelman and Morehouse students will continue to raise money upon their return from Senegal to meet their goal of contributing $10,000 to the program.
Ndoye believes that support of the program stimulates growth in heritage and awareness. “This project encompassed all three of my goals as SGA president for this year which were: international awareness, [Atlanta University Center] collaboration and community service,” explained the international studies major. After participating in a summit in Uganda in January, she realized that African-Americans needed to do more to help Africans in their struggles.
Dr. Viola M. Vaughn, a mother and grandmother, is founder and executive director of WHEPSA. The program, which currently supports 1,467 girls, is administered in Kaolack, Senegal. Since it’s launch in 2001, Dr. Vaughn has seen tremendous results in the education of rural Senegalese girls through the assistance of the program.
“In Kaolack only 18 percent of girls pass to the next grade each year,” explained Dr. Vaughn. “In our program it’s 68 percent, which is more than three times the general rate.” She has set a goal of having 10,000 girls in the program by 2011.
Dr. Sherry L. Turner, vice president for student affairs at Spelman College, will travel to Senegal with the students. She is excited about the opportunities that will open for both the Spelman and Senegalese students.
“It is our hope that participating students will have a new knowledge of contemporary issues in Senegal such as the political, economic, social and educational realities,” said Dr. Turner. “For 125 years, Spelman has committed itself to cultivating leaders who are globally conscience and committed to positive social change. This program and trip will be quite meaningful because
it reflects our students’ passion for making a positive difference in the world.”
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Spelman College
CONTACT: Renita Mathis of Spelman College, +1-404-270-5013, orrmathis@spelman.edu
Web site: http://www.spelman.edu/