Yes, I'll equip a volunteer like Anonna to help girls stay in school
In Bangladesh, over half of girls are married before they turn 18¹. Each £90 equips a local volunteer like Anonna, who has already helped stop 27 child marriages in her community.
Two girls. One difference.
I can beat you in front of everyone.
That’s what Rokeya’s husband said to her. He was 25. She was married at 12. Her marriage ended her education.
But Rokeya managed to escape. She deeply regrets being forced out of school, but she had nobody to turn to.
Today, Rokeya lives in extreme poverty, earning the equivalent of £3 or £4 per week. She’s desperately trying to finish her education, with the hope to one day be a police officer. Very few girls even manage to get as far as Rokeya.
Most are forced out of education to take on domestic duties, trapping them in poverty. Many become pregnant far before their bodies are ready. The consequences of early forced marriage are severe and dangerous.
Things need to change. It's vital we're there to help more girls as soon as possible. Will you help equip volunteers to reach a girl like Rokeya?
This is not a problem that can be solved by sending aid. It’s take a person. An equipped volunteer.
Anonna is proof of that.
The difference is that VSO was there for Anonna
“Dear friend,
I was 17 when they came to look at me. I realised I was being assessed as a young bride for a man 10 years older than me. I didn’t want this.
I had been to a meeting run by VSO so I was prepared – I knew to speak up for my rights. I was lucky. My parents listened to me.
Today, I am proudly a VSO volunteer, helping more girls like me in my community. Since VSO trained me, I have stopped 27 marriages and nine cases of sexual abuse in my community.
I alone cannot change this very big problem. But I am not alone if I have you by my side. I have training and support from VSO and kind people like you.
Together, we can make sure no girl has to face getting married at 12, like Rokeya.
Please will you equip another volunteer, like me?”
- Anonna, proud VSO volunteer
Give what you can today
Today, most of the volunteers we train and equip come from the countries and areas where the work is needed, like Anonna. They’re already on the ground, already trusted by their communities.
But they can’t do it alone.
They need training, practical learning materials, and a way of travelling around.
They need VSO. They need you.
Please help equip a volunteer like Anonna.
Donate now
Footnotes
¹UNICEF