SEATTLE — The GEANCO Foundation, an LA-based organization that works to aid vulnerable and impoverished communities in Africa, recently announced the launch of the David Oyelowo Scholarship for Girls.
This scholarship will aid women in Nigeria who have been affected by gender inequality and gender-based terrorism. Over the years, many young Nigerian women have been subject to gender-based violence and the subsequent isolation that follows. These girls and women often have their education disrupted due to an inability to afford tuition and schooling.
The GEANCO Foundation is using the David Oyelowo scholarship for Girls to aid women who would otherwise be unable to receive an education due to the violence or discrimination that has befallen them. There will be three scholarships awarded during the 2016-2017 school year and those three girls will attend the lma Anglican Girl’s Grammar School in Abuja, Nigeria.
The recipients of the David Oyelowo Scholarship for Girls will be given an incredible opportunity and experience that will help not only them, but hopefully better the communities around them as well. Actor David Oyelowo said it best when speaking up about his namesake scholarship: “With our help, these bright and resilient girls can blossom into Nigeria’s most inspiring leaders in government, education, business, entertainment and so much more.”
Additionally, The David Oyelowo Scholarship for Girls will place its recipients in a boarding school, thus providing a safe and stable environment that will aid in the growth and encouragement of these young girls.
Oyelowo is known for the roles he has played in movies such as Selma and Queen of Katwe. The actor is providing the funding for this impressive project along with other notable celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Warren Moon.
While the scholarship project is in its early stages, Oyelowo seems hopeful for the impact it may have now and into the future. In Oyelowo’s own words, “We seek to nurture a generation of strong female trailblazers whose positive impact will be felt across Nigeria and around the world.”
– Jordan Little
Photo: Flickr