The Women’s Institute for Secondary Education and Research in Africa announces the first class of female graduates

Durham, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/05/2014 --The Women’s Institute for Secondary Education and Research, (WISER) is proud to celebrate the first-ever graduating class of women in Africa on March 7, 2014. The trailblazing class of 28 women have avoided teen pregnancy and HIV risk, grown in self-esteem and self-empowerment, and will undoubtedly go on to change the world. All eyes will be on these girls as they shatter expectations and set new benchmarks for what a girl can do.

A 14 year old girl in Muhuru Bay, Africa once asked, “Should I stop having sex with the man who is paying my school fees? I am afraid of getting AIDS,” Shocking and heartbreaking, yet not uncommon in Kenya, where in certain groups 50% of girls between 10 and 16 years old have had sex for money to use toward buying sanitary pads and other necessities so that they can stay in school. We are often so bombarded by statistics of hardship and suffering on a daily basis that we become numb to them, yet quotes and numbers such as these are impossible to ignore.

That’s why the Women’s Institute for Secondary Education and Research is dedicated to changing these statistics. WISER is a community development organization focused on the social empowerment of underprivileged girls through education and health. Under WISER, the number of girls who have completed primary school has increased by 120% and the number of girls passing the national primary school exit exam by 250%.

Statistics are startling and often ignored. But these are not statistics. These are 28 girls among the many that struggling to survive and make changes, not just in their own lives, but in the world. Be part of that change. To learn more about the importance of educating and empowering women, what WISER does, or to donate, visit www.wisergirls.org. Be part of the change by educating others so that no girl ever has to choose sex for school ever again.

About Wiser
The Women’s Institute for Secondary Education and Research is a community organization that holistically improves health, education, and economic outcomes for girls, particularly those orphaned by AIDS. WISER has partnered with Duke University, UNICEF-WASH, Johnson & Johnson, the NIKE Foundation, The Robertson Foundation, and the Fogarty International Clinical Research Program to develop and assess signature programs that address the interplay of health, education and development. These programs include a boarding secondary school for 120 girls that provides all resources for a safe and effective education as well as healthy psychological development.

Contact
Contact Name - Sherryl Broverman
Contact Title Director
Organization Name: WISER
Contact Phone 919-724-8552
Contact Email sbrover@duke.edu