"Half The Sky"

Just read an inspirational section of Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book called "Half The Sky."  I recommend this book to anybody who shares the same concern as I over the lack of education for girls across the world.

Chapter ten of this book, called "Investing in Education," told the story of a girl named Dai Manju.  She grew up in an impoverished village located in the Dabie Mountains of central China, along with her parents, two brothers, and great aunt.  Dai Manju treasured her education dearly, and she was among the top of her class.  However, she was forced to drop out of school at the age of thirteen since she was the oldest child; it was her duty to help around the house.

After reading an article about Dai Manju, a sympathetic reader donated $10,000 for her to receive free tuition.  Her school got hold of the money, and used it to educate the whole town as well as build a new school.  Since Dai Manju was the reason for the kind donation, she received free tuition for as long as she would pass exams.  She finished elementary school, middle school, high school, and accounting school.  Now, she works as an accountant for local factories in the Guangdong Province.  She sends home growing amounts of money each month to her family, who became among the richest of her hometown.

Thanks to her schooling and desire for education, Dai Manju was able to provide for herself, her family, and even her hometown!  She is a role model with a story that we plan on sharing with young Ethiopian girls.