UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

On 7 May 2005, the First Lady of Rwanda launched the second phase of her campaign to promote girls' enrolment and achievement in schools. High-level government and diplomatic officials joined the First Lady at the event in Kigali.

The 7 May event gave children the opportunity to call on these decision-makers to join the alliance for girls' education. The children's messages focused on the experience of girls in the education system and continuing challenges to girls' full participation in schools.

As part of an advocacy campaign initiated by PACFA (Protection and Care of Families against HIV/AIDS), UNICEF and other partners, the event highlighted a prize-giving ceremony for the best-performing girls at primary and lower-secondary levels together with pledges to accelerate efforts to educate all girls in Rwanda.

Since 2004, PACFA has provided support to hundreds of vulnerable schoolgirls. The First Lady of Rwanda has described girls' education as a key strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS.