This term our School Charity is the Catalyst Foundation

September 9th 2024

This term our School Charity is The Catalyst Foundation...

We were delighted to welcome Ashleigh Fox, a trustee of The Catalyst Foundation, to our Assembly today and she gave a superb presentation on what the charity does and what the money we raise will go towards.

It costs £30 to provide a term of education for a girl in Zimbabwe or Zambia through this charity, and the Headmaster has set the pupils the task of raising enough money to provide 100 terms of education. We are looking forward to many charity events such as the Christmas Fair, the Priory and Blackford House events and our mufti day. Two of our Senior Prefects this term have been given the task of being the Charity representatives and have lots of ideas for fundraising, so that hopefully, as a community, we can all raise lots of money for the Catalyst Foundation.

Ashleigh Fox - Transforming Care Director
Catalyst Care Group

We are super excited to be part of your journey this year – and I’d like to start by saying a huge thank you to you all.

Overview: A charity focused on creating sustainable change in communities.

Mission: To empower and uplift communities through health, education, and empowerment (SHE) initiatives.

Target Areas (for now): Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Has anyone got any idea what sorts of barriers girls might face?

Poverty: Many families in Zimbabwe and Zambia live below the poverty line, making it difficult to afford school fees, uniforms, and supplies. When resources are scarce, families often prioritize boys' education over girls'.
Child Labor: To support their families, girls may be required to work, either in household chores or in informal jobs, which limits their time and energy for schooling.
Gender Discrimination: Traditional beliefs and practices often place less value on girls' education. In some communities, the expectation is that girls should focus on domestic roles or prepare for marriage rather than pursue their studies.
Early Marriages: Due to cultural pressures and economic hardship, many girls are married off at a young age. Early marriage often leads to early pregnancy, which typically ends a girl's educational journey.
Menstrual Health: Lack of access to sanitary products and inadequate sanitation facilities in schools can lead to girls missing significant amounts of school during their periods. This issue, compounded by the stigma around menstruation, creates a substantial barrier to consistent school attendance.
Health Risks: Girls in these regions face higher risks of HIV/AIDS and other health issues, which can disrupt their education. Without proper health education and support, these challenges are difficult to overcome.
Distance to Schools: In rural areas, schools can be miles away from home. The long and often dangerous journey can deter parents from sending their daughters to school, especially when they fear for their safety.
Violence and Harassment: Girls are at risk of harassment or violence on their way to school or even within the school environment. This threat makes both parents and girls hesitant to continue education.
Insufficient Teachers: There is often a shortage of trained teachers, especially female teachers, in rural areas. The absence of role models and support systems in schools can discourage girls from pursuing education.
Poor Infrastructure: Schools may lack basic facilities, like classrooms, desks, and textbooks. Without a conducive learning environment, girls are less likely to stay in school.
Cycle of Poverty: These barriers create a vicious cycle where uneducated girls are more likely to remain in poverty, marry early, and face limited opportunities in life, passing the same challenges onto their children.
Lost Potential: When girls are denied education, their potential to contribute to their communities and economies is lost. Educated girls are more likely to uplift their families and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty.