Do it In a Dress/School Uniform Day - Fri 9 June

Did you know that MORE THAN 132 MILLION GIRLS AROUND THE WORLD ARE DENIED AN EDUCATION simply because they are a girl? 

Education is a fundamental right that should be available to all children regardless of their gender, ethnicity or socio economic status. Unfortunately this is not the case in many parts of the world, including Sierra Leone. 

According to UNICEF only 62.5% of primary aged girls in Sierra Leone are enrolled in school. This number then drops significantly in secondary education where only 25% of girls are enrolled.

One Girl is a local charity that was co-founded several years ago by passionate young people in Melbourne inspired to make a difference to girls’ education. At One Girl, they break down the barriers that girls face in accessing an educationto help achieve better life outcomes. They do this by running girl-led programs, mentorships and other support services in Sierra Leone and Uganda to drive positive change for girls and their communities. To raise funds for this cause One Girl has organised a fundraising event "Do it in a dress". This involves staff wearing a school dress/school uniform to work for the day. This fundraising event is a creative and effective way to raise awareness and funds for girls education and make a positive impact on the lives of many girls in the country.

On Friday 9 June Wantirna College teachers were invited to wear the Wantirna College School Dress/Uniform for the day to reflect our commitment and awareness of this important issue. Our RRRR Student Ambassadors prepared some ‘do-now’ classroom activities so students could learn more about this issue and a staff exhibition match was held on the COLA officiated by some chosen Wantirna Students.

By having our staff wear school uniforms it sends a clear message that education is important and that everyone should have the opportunity to go to school. This can help to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about girls education in developing countries.

"Do It In A Dress" is a high-impact way to raise awareness  The process is simple – donate, put on a school dress or school uniform and raise funds to support the Girls in School program in Sierra Leone – Please donate to our campaign and help address this inequity. 

We are very close to meeting our goal of raising $1000. So far we have raised an incredible $986.  Please help us reach (and possibly exceed) our goal of raising $1000.  All donations, big and small, can be made here. 

"We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back” Malala

Rebecca Howell

Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships Leader