Education

Plan International USA’s programming provides equal access to quality education to all children and young people. We help girls and young women complete each cycle of their education, from primary and secondary education, to preparing them for higher education and beyond.

School is an entry point for girls to pursue their dreams. But 131 million girls aren’t enrolled in school right now.

When it comes to quality education, girls are too often left behind.

There’s so much that they can achieve, but there are barriers keeping them from fulfilling their potential. We believe that every child has the right to a safe, formal, quality education and access to lifelong learning.

Girls and young people know what they need to receive an effective education in a safe environment, and we partner with them to make that change happen. Our comprehensive, inclusive approach to education programming strives to be girl-led, because we believe that girls are our most important and valued partners in driving program design and content. They will decide their own path for the future, whether that leads to building a family, furthering their education or starting their own business.

Since the well was installed near my home, I’ve gone to school every day. I really love education, because it makes our future good.

Palla

Cambodia

See all

Youth Activist, Caroline Dodd, Reports About the UN Climate Summit

Jun. 07, 2021

Rebuilding Nepal Starts with Children and Communities

Jun. 07, 2021

The Youth Bandwagon

Jun. 07, 2021 BY Dr. Tessie San Martin

BLOG

My fate isn’t up for someone else to decide. I can make my own fate. And because my mom sent me to school, I did.

Your impact in

Education

6,108,737: girls have better access to education.
21,064,540: girls, boys, women and men reached with inclusive, quality education programming.
18,045,477: girls, boys, women and men reached with early childhood development projects.

Our girl-driven programming includes three main focus areas

Early childhood and primary education

Successful transitions to secondary school and beyond

Access to quality education in fragile settings

Early childhood and primary education

Multiple barriers prevent girls from having a positive start in life and the chance to survive and thrive. Inequalities and traditional practices can mean that young children fail to get the vital care and support they need. We urge local governments to increase commitments toward early childhood care and development (ECCD) and early grade learning, partnering with schools to enhance learning environments and improve students’ achievements. To successfully navigate the transition to secondary school, girls must possess core academic skills and have the confidence to thrive in that environment. Our education programs work to help vulnerable children grow up equally valued and cared for, with access to the inclusive education they need to graduate from primary school.

Read Story

Stimulating Interest in Early Childhood Care and Development: A Focus on the Role of Fathers

MAY. 24, 2021

Read Story

Success stories A Story of Hope: Because of You, Claire is Beating the Odds

JUN. 07, 2021

Successful transitions to secondary school and beyond

Too many adolescent girls drop out of secondary school because of costs, unwanted pregnancy, early marriage and cultural stigmas around educating girls. Plan works with girls to break down the barriers that keep them from transitioning to and completing secondary school, so that they can pursue their dreams and create the life they want for themselves. We work with schools to ensure students have access to safe and private bathrooms, hand-washing stations, clean water and period health management — allowing girls and children to improve their overall health, attend school without interruption and graduate. Finally, we help create strong support networks of teachers and parents who know the value of educating a girl.

Read Story

COVID-19 school closures around the world will hit girls hardest

APR. 28, 2020

Access to quality education in fragile settings

Plan fosters innovative and inclusive learning, so that marginalized girls and children — particularly those experiencing extreme poverty, conflict or environmental disasters — can learn in a safe and engaging environment. By identifying barriers, addressing the unique needs of all children, training teachers and creating gender-responsive learning environments, we ensure that adolescent girls living in the most challenging environments don’t get left behind. We do this through accelerated education models that keep them in school and on track for graduation. Our programs promote inclusive, accessible learning that advances their knowledge and bridges learning gaps caused by prolonged crisis and absence from school.

Read Story

No school: Hear from 9 girls around the world

AUG. 12, 2020

I agree to Plan’s Safeguarding Policy.

Your contribution is tax deductible.

I agree to Plan’s Safeguarding Policy.

Your contribution is tax deductible.