Girls are at the core of so much of what we do at The Hunger Project. 11 October marks International Day of the Girl, a day we celebrate the power, resilience and potential of millions of girls across the world.
We spoke to five girls from Ghana, aged between 13 and 16 about their hopes, dreams and ambitions.
Faizatu, 16
How would your friends describe you?
My friends describe me as humble, intelligent and respectful.
Who’s been your biggest inspiration in life so far?
Mr. Michael Peprah (Faizatu’s school principal) is my biggest inspiration.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to be a teacher when I grow up, so that I can impart knowledge to the younger generation.
If you could pass on one message to the world, what would it be?
I will urge my fellow teenagers especially the girls in the world to stay focus on their studies and say no to teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.
Polina, 16
How would your friends describe you?
My friends describe me now as the bold type and knowledgeable.
Who’s been your biggest inspiration in life so far?
My biggest inspiration has been my mother, she is very caring and provides for all my needs.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
My vision is to become a pharmacist. I always feel sad when I see people die because they cannot get medication for their illnesses.
If you could pass on one message to the world, what would it be?
My message to the world is that we need to work together to end child marriage and child labour now!
Sarah, 13
How would your friends describe you?
My friends see me as someone who encourages them to study and to be educated.
Who’s been your biggest inspiration in life so far?
Madam Josephine, who is my class teacher. She inspires me the most and she gives me a lot of encouragement to aspire high and work hard.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I aspire to become a lawyer in the future. I always feel happy when I see lawyers in their uniforms. I have pledged to stand for the truth and defend the girl child and more importantly, teenagers who [have been forced] into child labour or have been raped.
If you could pass on one message to the world, what would it be?
I would like to use this opportunity to tell the world that parents should encourage girls to go to school and desist from forcing them into apprenticeship against their will.
Sandra, 16
How would your friends describe you?
My friends describe me as respectful and hardworking.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in life so far?
My biggest inspiration is a musician called Celestine Donkor. Her lyrics are inspirational and an encouragement to me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to be nurse when I grow up. Taking care of the sick is my passion because I want to care for people and give health education to girls.
If you could pass on one message to the world, what would it be?
My message to the world is that parents should treat their children equally, no matter if they are boys or girls.
Tematey, age not given
How would your friends describe you?
My friends always describe me as respectful, humble and a decent girl.
Who’s been your biggest inspiration in life so far?
My father has always been my biggest inspiration in life.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would love to be nurse in the future, so that I can help people who are sick.
If you could pass on one message to the world, what would it be?
One thing I would love to tell the world out there especially my fellow girls is that in every situation choose character over success.
These girls have a hunger for education and for a better future. You can secure a better future for them and millions of other girls around the world by giving to The Hunger Project. Give now.