UPDATE: This lesson was originally published in 2013 based on the documentary "Girl Rising." Many of the lessons are still applicable to today.

Subjects

Social studies, education, social issues

Estimated time

One 30-45 minute period

Grade level

Grades 6 - 12

Objective

Students will:

• Explain the positive impact that educating girls has on families and communities.

Overview

Students will learn and think critically about the variety of reasons why it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure that all girls, across the globe, have access to an education.

Background

Girls have a significant impact on their family and community when they are allowed to go to school. After receiving an education, girl earn up to 25 percent more and reinvest 90 percent of her income in her family, according to Camfed, a nonprofit organization that supports girls' education. This reinvestment in her family means her children will be more likely to go to school and be immunized, leading to healthier, more productive individuals and communities. The spreading of prosperity and influence is called the ripple effect. A girl’s education is about more than just the individual; it is about the future of her family and her community.

Procedure

Explain to students that they will be watch the documentary "Girl Rising" about nine girls from nine countries determined to receive an education. The film debuted in 2013.

Ask students what they believe is meant by the term "ripple effect" when it refers to educating girls. Record answers on the board. This is an important concept. Ensure that students understand that when one positive change happens, others follow and the impact grows.

A good analogy is tossing a pebble into water. The effect grows as the ripples keep spreading and have an impact far beyond the spot where the pebble originally fell. The same is true for educating girls. One girl’s education affects not only herself, but her family and community. Encourage students to keep this concept in mind as they read.

The documentary tells the story of nine girls and the tremendous odds they faced receiving an education.

After watching the documentary, encourage students to list the obstacles the women faced.

While the obstacles are important, the critical point is the positive impact these women’s choices have had on others and on themselves. Ask students:

• Who helped the girls be successful?
• How are the girls impacting others?
• How are they educating the rest of the world about issues related to girls’ education?
• How are they influencing public policy?
• How do you believe these girls' families have been impacted by their education?

Have students write an essay describing one of the girl’s stories and how you felt after watching it. Also, include how you believe that you can impact the world once you complete school. What do you believe your ripple effect will be?

Extension activities

• Have students write a research paper on a woman making a difference in the lives of others.
• Encourage students to research an international aid organization and learn about its impact on others.

"Girl Rising" is a 2013 documentary directed by Richard Robbins and produced by 10 x 10 in association with The Documentary Group and Paul Allen's Vulcan Productions.