General
General news from the CGEF
CCL Education Fund April Newsletter 2015
Dear CCLEF Supporters,
We’ve been busy! Busy reading school reports and letters from girls seeking renewal of sponsorship for another year in Granada, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Lesotho, Nigeria, Swaziland, St Kitts, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, St Lucia, Rwanda and Zambia.
We 
are continually uplifted by the girls and what they write to us– do read on if you’d like to share a glimpse of the ambition and determination of young women across the globe girls who are enthused and grateful for your support.
Belinda in Zimbabwe says she can now “do everything to my level best because there is someone out there who believes in me.”
Charity from St Vincent and the Grenadines came top of her class and her classmate Angela assures us that being able to “buy my exercise books, other stationery, my literature books, school shoes, bags and uniforms will make things better and I will be able to attend school regularly and so perform better at school”.
Lehlomo from Swaziland wrote “I am often expelled from school because [my parents] do not have the money to pay my school fees but this year….I am sure I am going to pass”.
From Kenya, Maryann wisely advised us “I have had to adapt to the new environment of secondary school”, Hannah aspires to be a journalist and Glory tells us that her school marks very hard in an effort to make the girls work harder and remain competitive.
In Grenada, Nicola aims to be an archaeologist as she likes learning historical facts and writes that she “appreciates her parents’ love and sacrifice [to pay school fees] but sponsorship gives me added impetus”.
Lindy in Swaziland wants to be a pilot and writes “if it wasn’t for you, maybe I would have dropped out of school, who knows?”
From Nigeria, Dolly admits “I used to miss class as a result of my mother’s inability to pay my school fees, but now I walk freely with my friends without being ashamed”.
From Ghana, Grace, full of determination, tells us “I wish to become a teacher, It is my intention to help reduce the illiteracy rate in my country”. Equally determined Elspeth wrote “My aim is to be a journalist. I am a girl who wants to be heard and I do not hide this skill.”
We’re looking for supporters who are willing to run 10km in order to raise funds to keep girls like these in school. The CCLEF enters a team of 24 runners in the British 10kLondon Run Sunday 12th July. Please do be in contact with Jagravi, our wonderful volunteer at if you would like to join us. General information about the event can be found at http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk
We have recently heard about CCLEF Alumnae who have become or are studying to become a nurse, builder, lawyer, secondary teacher, policewoman, doctor, environmental scientist, HIV/Aids Health Coordinator, and an economist – clearly the girls make best use of their opportunities!
Finally, I return to Belinda from Zimbabwe who says her current inspiring saying is “Be like a postage stamp, stick to the envelope until you get there” – that, I think, is exactly what our sponsored girls do if they possibly, possibly can.
My very best wishes to you all and thank you as ever for your support,
Penny O'Regan
CCLEF Chairwoman
PS: If you would like to make a donation and help to keep these girls in school, please do so via our website at www.cgefund.org I have also attached the regular donation form – thank you.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2015
You are Invited !
Run by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883, the Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s largest schools’ international writing competition and is open to all young people aged 18 and under. This year’s theme, 'A Young Commonwealth', recognises that young people account for the majority of the Commonwealth’s population and play a vital role in shaping the world that we live in, now and in years to come.
The Royal Commonwealth Society is inviting young people to share their hopes and concerns for the future, thereby generating an important youth perspective and Commonwealth wide dialogue as the international community gathers to set development goals for the next 15 years.
The 2015 competition invites young people to submit essays relating to this year’s theme, 'A Young Commonwealth’. The Queen’s Essay Competition 2015 is run by the Royal Commonwealth Society in partnership with Cambridge University Press.
The closing date for entries is May 1st 2015. Further information can be found at www.thercs.org/youth.
Twitter: @The RCSLondon
Facebook: www.facebook/rcsyouth
A Young Commonwealth
In 2015, the Commonwealth has chosen The Young Commonwealth as its theme and has published materials for children, young people, communities and schools to mark this theme.
CCLEF Newsletter 2015
Hello Everyone - warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2015 from all at the CCLEF.
CCLEF have signed
Stand #UpForSchool
132 innocent children killed in their classroom. Here's how we can respond: every child has the right to go to school, without danger or discrimination. Honour the children of Peshawar by helping create a message no government, politician or leader can ignore and demand that every child can go to school safely.
THE PETITION
"We, the world's youth, teachers, parents and global citizens, appeal to our governments to keep their promise, made at the United Nations in 2000, to ensure all out-of-school children gain their right to education before the end of 2015.
We are standing up to bring an end to the barriers preventing girls and boys from going to school, including forced work and early marriage, conflict and attacks on schools, exploitation and discrimination. All children deserve the opportunity to learn and achieve their potential.
We are #UpForSchool." Please sign the #UpForSchool Petition. Act Now.
http://www.aworldatschool.org/upforschool
