Michelle Obama: Let Girls Learn!

"Working together to open the doors of education for girls around the word."

The quote above summarizes the overarching objective of the newly implemented initiative by the First Lady Michelle Obama. Alongside President Obama, the First Lady is championing girls’ efforts around the globe and bringing to light the value and worth every girl has within them, even if they do not realize it themselves. Let Girls Learn initiative aims to teach girls ways to build a healthier family, strengthen her community, and cultivate a brighter future for themselves through pursuing a proper education. Sadly, 62 million girls today are not in school. Therefore, the efforts the Obama Administration is implementing will hopefully help decrease this shocking number. Most importantly, Let Girls Learn will lift existing programs and build upon existing partnerships, working together to create more resources to allow adolescent girls around the globe an education they deserve.

To bring awareness and advocate the new initiative, the First Lady recently traveled to Japan and Cambodia to speak about Let Girls Learn (and squeeze in some sightseeing!). First stop, Kyoto, Japan, where it was announced that Japan and the United States have agreed to partner in aiding adolescents to attend school. First Lady Michelle Obama met with the Japanese First Lady, Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister, then proceeded to enjoy a performance of Noh, classical Japanese musical drama that involves employing elaborate costumes and stylish masks to symbolize women’s roles. Overall, the First Lady’s trip revolved around advocating for girls in Japan hoping to pursue an education.

Next stop on the trip was Siem Reap in Cambodia. Mrs. Obama delivered a speech to U.S. Peace Corps volunteers and those who are currently working on projects to support girls in Cambodia with their education. Cambodia and Japan, along with nine other countries, have collectively allocated $250 million in initial funding for the Let Girls Learn program. Cambodia’s statistics shockingly unveiled that 95% of children enter primary schools, but only 20% of them finish secondary school. Child prostitution, child labor and human trafficking serve as top contributing factors preventing girls from receiving a full education. The First Lady remarked in Siem Reap that, “When girls get educated—when they learn to read and write and think—that gives them the tools to speak up and to talk about injustice, and to demand equal treatment. It helps them participate in the political life of their country and hold their leaders accountable, call for change when their needs and aspirations aren’t being met.”

Sreymich lives in sunny side California and attends John Marshall High School as a junior. Currently she is going through a phase of discovering her passion. From interning for Tomas O’Grady City Council Campaign to volunteering at her local hospital and now writing for Her Culture blog, Sreymich's interests vary across a wide spectrum and she loves it! Sreymich has been on my school volleyball team for two years now where she has a love-hate relationship with the sport. When Sreymich is not studying for the SAT, she loves hiking, going to the beach (even though she can't swim), is slightly addicted to watching Youtube vlogs, and strumming obnoxiously on her ukulele. Carbs (bread, cookies, muffins, all kinds!) makes Sreymich happy, but so does staying fit. After high school, she hopes to do something great and give back; travel and go zip lining through the Amazon Rainforest.