In Mutare, Zimbabwe, our SKIPGO program is providing motivated, promising young girls with the education they deserve. But how do we identify girls who will benefit most from a quality education at such a young age? One way is by finding families who are as equally committed to education as we are. We asked three SKIPGO parents how they’ve seen their daughters grow since they began the program, and where they hope to see their daughters in the future:

What SKIPGO has done for their daughters:

Candice, who is now in first grade.

“She has improved in many ways. We can now have a good English conversation, she can do puzzles, her eating habits have changed and she now knows she has to brush her teeth every morning.”— Candice’s father, Trymore

“The SKIPGO program is more than a brilliant idea. My daughter has developed psychological, mentally and physically within a very short period of time. It was such a good foundation for her and she is promising to be a star, I tell you.”— Stacey’s mother, Rita

“Tinevimbo has really changed since she joined the SKIPGO program. Her language development has improved greatly and she conducts well with her peers.”— Tinevimbo’s mom, Samantha

Where they see their daughters in the future:

“Good education is what l dream for her. I can imagine my girl at one of the best secondary schools doing her best. I think providing a good education for my daughter is the best help SKIC can give to achieve this future.”— Candice’s dad, Trymore

Stacey

“I have always had big dreams for my daughter but I was afraid I could never achieve it due to my limited resources. But now I’m foreseeing my dreams coming true. Equipping my daughter with the best possible education ever was always my dream. I foresee a brilliant, confident, intelligent girl excelling in her studies, showing that girls can achieve even more than boys when fully supported and given all the necessary resources.”— Stacey’s mom, Rita

“The dreams that I have for her are that she may be able to complete her studies till university level and be able to give back to the program—for instance by assisting other kids.”— Tinevimbo’s mom, Samantha

Tinevimbo

Why it’s essential to educate girls:

“SKIC is financially aiding my daughter in all her educational requirements, which was going to be very difficult for me considering that our society looks down on girls. I happen to be a mother of two girls and culturally our African husbands will be reluctant to support girls as much as they would if it was a boy. When you educate a woman, you have educated the world because generally women are responsible and can easily pass what they have learned to the world.”— Stacey’s mom, Rita

“Women play a big role in the society, though they do not get enough chances as compared to men. Women give back their achievements to society.”— Tinevimbo’s mom, Samantha