Education Existed Before Schools—Why Are Girls Still Being Left Behind?

An essay in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Education

by Betty | Community Contributor, Ethiopia

Early humans learned by watching, imitating, and participating in daily activities like hunting, gathering, and farming while children absorbed skills, stories, and cultural knowledge simply by living alongside adults. As societies grew, reading, writing, mathematics, trade, and governance became essential for participation, and education evolved to help humans adapt and improve. 

As new systems emerge, societies without equitable access to education struggle to adapt, limiting economic mobility and opportunity for future generations. Exclusion perpetuates inequality and poverty, keeping generations from reaching their full potential. Ensuring access to education for all, especially girls and marginalized groups, is critical to building strong societies.

The UN Steps In: Education for Peace and Development

After World War II, the United Nations recognized the destabilizing risks of unequal access to knowledge and opportunity. Through initiatives like UNESCO, the UN emphasized that education is inclusive, fosters understanding, and prevents conflict as a foundation for peace, development, and stability.

The World’s Invisible Country: 122 Million Girls Without Education

Today, 122 million girls are denied an education—the equivalent of an entire country of girls left behind. That number mirrors the population of nations like Japan, Mexico, or Ethiopia, and it places millions at increased risk of child marriage, early and high-risk pregnancies, domestic violence, and an inability to advocate for their own wellbeing.

The right to education remains a major challenge in Ethiopia, despite the existence of school centers. Cultural norms and gender inequality often prioritize household responsibilities over schooling, leading many girls to drop out and enter early marriage or child labor. These factors combined with limited access to menstrual hygiene and safe learning environments, further restrict their opportunities.

Menstruation and Missed School: The Hidden Barrier for Girls

A lack of education about menstrual health and limited access to dignity kits results in missed school days. Menstruation is surrounded by strong stigma in our community and is rarely discussed openly. As a result, girls are often forced to manage it alone in unhygienic ways, such as relying on unsafe or improvised materials (newspapers, corn husks, old clothes, etc.).

“I didn’t miss school this year, and I never will in the future, because I have a reusable menstrual kit, and I know how to make them for more girls.”

~ Fana, SSGA Student, 16yo

Success like Fana’s is what has kept us going for over a decade. Seeing students graduate stronger than when they enrolled reinforces why this matters. Since opening our doors, more than 25,000 girls have gained access to education. Looking ahead, our goal is to reach 1 million girls by 2035.

A Decade of Investing in Her Education

Recently, Studio Samuel Girls Academy marked 10 years of our mission:

Creating pathways for girls to reach their potential through education, job skills training, and healthcare.

We designed a program for adolescent girls (12-18yo) built around multiple learning spaces and skill-building pillars, including a learning lab for tutoring and academic support, a computer lab for digital skills, and a sewing lab where girls gain practical, in-demand skills used to secure weekend or seasonal work in their communities while continuing their education. The program also includes menstrual health education, debate classes that strengthen communication and leadership, and martial arts, which build self-defense skills, confidence, and discipline. Within six months of enrolling, 90% of students show measurable improvement in their academic performance.

A second component is vocational training for young women ages 18–24 who were unable to complete traditional schooling. With access to job training in design and digital literacy, these women are securing employment, gaining financial stability, and building a future on their own terms.

The result of investing in a girl’s education? She breaks her cycle of poverty.

Join us in walking alongside girls and their communities as they build the skills, confidence, and voice to shape their own futures. We’re calling on passionate people who want to invest in a girl’s future to gain the right to education, dignity, and choice. Interested? Email us today.