The most important movements can happen quietly. They are not flashy, they take years to bear fruit. Unheralded people work hard, enduring deep resistance and sometimes personal danger.
But in some ways, more than emergency aid during disasters, these movements lead to enduring, positive change.
Bringing literacy to girls around the world is one of those movements.
Amy, one of our treasured customers (I don’t use “treasured” lightly), is advancing this movement in one of the most dangerous places on earth. She and her colleagues at 10x10act.org are working to bring education, especially literacy, to the girls of Afghanistan. There can be few places on earth that need this work more than Afghanistan. And few places more dangerous and challenging.
Some facts quoted from 10×10’s website, supporting the value of educating girls:
- When girls receive 7 years of schooling, they marry 4 years later and have 2.2 fewer children. (United Nations Population Fund)
- When 10% more of its girls go to school, a country’s GDP increases an average of 3%. (Council on Foreign Relations)
- When female farmers are educated, crop yields rise. (Food Policy)
- Educated mothers are 50% more likely to immunize their children. And when more girls are educated, a country’s malnutrition and HIV rates decline. (UNGEI, the Council on Foreign Relations)
- When women take leadership roles in their community, corruption diminishes. (Center for Global Development)
10×10 has assembled an impressive staff, including top-tier journalists from the most prestigious national print and broadcast news groups. As part of their work, they photographed the conditions faced by these girls, along with inspiring images of hope.
Memento was lucky enough to get to produce a sample book for Amy, using these gorgeous, motivating photographs. She carries this book to meetings with potential major sponsors. The book helps her tell her story. We love creating hand-made books. And we really love making books that contribute to making a difference.
If you would like to learn more about 10×10, click here. Their website is worth a look just enjoy the amazing photos. But please click to follow the logic of this work. This is a chance to make real, lasting change. And we can all help.