Because I am a Girl

Cake and Coffee Day is a longstanding tradition in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, but raising money for charity is my own personal twist. 
This year we chose to donate to Plan UK's "Because I am a Girl" campaign. This fund helps girls to attend school, stay in school, and develop skills that can make them financially independent. We raised £52, which is almost enough to provide a girl with school supplies for a year in Sierra Leone:)

As you may have gathered, I feel very strongly about supporting women in physics, and the sciences in general. This takes for granted that there are women being educated to a very high standard. Most of the young women in this campaign haven't even got elementary education under their belts, so helping them to finish school is paramount. Plan UK writes:

With education, skills and the right support, girls can make choices over their own future and be a huge part of creating lasting change. An educated girl is...

• ...less likely to marry and to have children whilst she is still a child.
• ...more likely to be literate, healthy and survive into adulthood, as are her children.
• ...more likely to reinvest her income back into her family, community and country.

Click here for more information on how to get involved or make a donation.