GIRLS ACCELERATED LEARNING INITIATIVE (GALI)

Founded in 2016, the Girls Accelerated Learning Initiative (GALI) emerged from witnessing a 16-year-old struggling in primary school during a teacher training assessment. The program empowers overage girls in grades 1-3 to progress twice yearly, bridging the education gap. Over the last two years alone, GALI has positively impacted over 2,500 girls. Impressively, 77% advanced by two grades, while 87% acquired essential life skills in hygiene and pregnancy prevention. 

The Challenge
In Liberia’s 2022 Education Sector Plan, late enrollment and overage students were prioritized by the Ministry of Education. Overage girls face a higher risk of dropping out due to early marriage and pregnancy, which contributes to Liberia’s higher illiteracy rates among women compared to men. GALI aims to bridge this gap by empowering girls to reach their age-appropriate classes.

Why GALI Matters
Research shows that a woman who can read is twice as likely to send her children to school. Education opens doors to opportunities, better health care, and informed decision-making. For many girls in Liberia, however, these opportunities are out of reach. GALI strives to provide them with access to knowledge, skills, and empowerment.