The Girls Opportunity Alliance
Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates, and Amal Clooney Visit Girls with AGE Africa in Malawi
Meet Donnah Mwenebanda
In the heart of Malawi, 15-year-old Donnah embodies the transformative power of education. Donnah’s journey began in the Karonga District, where financial instability threatened her educational aspirations. Her parents recognized the barriers she faced and sent her to Blantyre for a better education.
"My parents live far away; it takes six hours to drive from Ludzi and even longer from Blantyre. My uncle has been a great role model for me," Donnah reflected. "He always encouraged me to work hard in school and made me feel like I belonged in Ludzi. He motivated me to stay successful and independent."
Donnah says her move to a new village marked the beginning. It was there that she discovered Advancing Girls Education (AGE) in Africa (Opens in a new tab), a partner of the Girls Opportunity Alliance. AGE Africa supports young girls in Malawi with scholarships, mentorship, and afterschool programs.
Donnah says AGE Africa’s CHATS clubs, a part of its holistic approach to helping girls finish secondary school and pursue opportunities beyond high school, have significantly contributed to her growth.
“With CHATS, we learn different topics that help me set and achieve my goals,” she explained. "By teaching each other these lessons, we girls support each other in succeeding and getting good grades. CHATS has also helped me overcome challenges outside of the program. At home, life has become easier, and I’ve been able to rise above difficulties. In my community, many girls are dropping out of school and getting married young. But with CHATS’ encouragement, I feel empowered to be assertive and pursue my dreams of becoming a doctor."
The Girls Opportunity Alliance’s support, highlighted by visits from Mrs. Obama, Melinda French Gates, and Amal Clooney, have further reinforced Donnah’s ambition.
"The visit from Mrs. Obama and the others was a tremendous honor and motivation," Donnah recalled.
Donnah’s story is a testament to the profound impact that targeted support and mentorship can have on young lives. With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance, AGE Africa has not only provided Donnah with educational opportunities but has also empowered her to become a role model in her community. Her message to other girls facing similar challenges is one of hope and perseverance: "Follow what you want to do. Don’t be discouraged by problems. Always look at your goals and manage the challenges to achieve them."
As Donnah continues her journey, her story underscores the importance of supporting educational initiatives and the power of alliances dedicated to fostering change. AGE Africa and the Girls Opportunity Alliance’s commitment to empowering young girls like Donnah is a crucial step toward creating a brighter future for Malawi and beyond.
Expanding into the United States
In January, the Alliance announced a new commitment to empower and uplift girls in Chicago, distributing $500,000 to 14 Chicago-based organizations serving girls, with plans for additional funding later in 2024. Beyond funding, the Girls Opportunity Alliance is providing organizational support to more than60 girl-serving organizations across Chicago through the Girls Opportunity Alliance Network. This comprehensive approach will benefit thousands of adolescent girls who, like Michelle Obama, call Chicago home.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to share that the Girls Opportunity Alliance is expanding our work right here in my favorite city,” said Michelle Obama. “We’re funding 14 grassroots programs that are making a real difference in the lives of girls here in my hometown. From providing mentorship and leadership training to empowering girls through sports and dance to preparing them for a future career through work-study programs, these organizations are there for our girls each and every day.”
In October 2023, the Alliance convened nearly 50 Network members from community-led organizations dedicated to empowering girls in Chicago as part of the programming around the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum. These leaders heard from President and Mrs. Obama, and participated in workshops on healing, design thinking, and the impact of new technology. This was the largest convening of the Girls Opportunity Alliance Network in Chicago to date.