General
General news from the CGEF
The New CCLEF Chairman
Introducing the new Chairman of the CCLEF, Penny O’Regan
“I very much appreciate the opportunity to lead the CCLEF which has supported so many girls through secondary school over the last 47 years. Our major challenge is to keep the plight of girls-without-school-opportunity on top of busy 21st century agendas.
Our supporters often reflect that they have achieved their successes (and that is different for everyone!) only because they had access to education; it is this opportunity that we want to continue to make happen for young women across the globe.
I am sure that with the strong skills and experience the new Board bring, the CCLEF will continue to be successful in sponsoring girls' education throughout the Commonwealth.
Thank you to everyone for your support, past and future.”
ClarityEnglish Win Prestigious Asian Business Award
ClarityEnglish, our partners in Hong Kong win prestigious Asian Business Awards
A Proud Moment for CGEF
In a letter from Mr Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, addressed to the outgoing Chairperson, Ms Jenny Groves, he commented on the successful use of funding that was allocated to the CGEF (formerly the CCLEF) to fund girls' secondary school bursaries.
He particularly commended the Fund on "the expeditious manner in which the financial reporting on the disbursement of the funds for this purpose was managed."
Furthermore, he advised that ARK had granted an additional amount to the Fund "so that it can continue its good work in providing bursaries for young women in secondary education in Commonwealth developing countries."
A proud moment indeed for all the Trustees, friends and beneficiaries of the Fund.
CCLEF Ambassador and CCL Alumna Ladi Dariya presented to HM The Queen
CCLEF Ambassador and CCL Alumna Ladi Dariya was recently presented to HM The Queen during a reception for Youth, Education and the Commonwealth held at Buckingham Palace.
The event, which had musical performances by the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra, was also attended by other members of the royal family including HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Princess Beatrice of York.
Representing the CCLEF work in girls’ education around the Commonwealth, Ladi joined other professionals in the field of education during this colour and vibrant event. Ladi, who is the founder of the ‘Thousand Schools for a Thousand Girls’ Initiative, was recognised for her personal efforts in the promotion of gender equality. Coming from a very humble background and witnessing the gender gap in education in many Commonwealth countries, she has made championing the cause of girls and women her life’s work.
Commenting on the experience, Ladi said that it felt quite surreal to drink royal champagne, eat dainty canapés and chat with royalty and select captains of education from across the Commonwealth. The CCLEF is proud of what Ladi has achieved. Currently Director of Communications for Madrinha Trust - a funding and mentoring trust – she is a CCL Alumna who works hard to enable other girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their potential.
CCLEF Ambassador and CCL Alumna presented to HM The Queen at a reception for Youth, Education and the Commonwealth
Holiday Inn opts IN to Education
From Autumn 2013, staff at the Holiday Inn in Kingston are inviting their staying guests to 'opt in' to helping bright girls in the Commonwealth gain an education.
As Mr Gagan Sharma, General Manager, said, " At the Holiday Inn London – Kingston South, we are committed to supporting our local community and charitable causes close to our hearts. The hotel is pleased to partner with the CCLEF, an International Charity that makes a real impact in some of the most impoverished areas of the world. With the support of our guests we want to make an even bigger difference to young, gifted women living in poverty in the Commonwealth."
And on behalf of the girls who will benefit from this campaign, the CCLEF says a BIG THANK YOU to everyone at the Holiday Inn Kingston.
Holiday Inn London – Kingston South Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5QQ