Grier Global 5K Raises Money for Liberian Girls

The Global 5K is a challenge issued by the United Nations' foundation Girl Up, which tasks girls to run 3.1 miles to support girls’ empowerment in a selected country of the year. This year’s nation is Liberia. Girl Up stands for education for girls all over the world and brings girls all over the world together to achieve its goals.

According to the Girl Up website, due to a 14-year civil war, this generation of adolescent Liberian girls grew up without access to basic services and opportunities including education and health care. Today, families cannot afford uniforms and supplies required for school. There are almost no health clinics for teen girls, and violence against women is widespread. Girl Up endeavors to make education a reality for more girls, increase access to healthcare, and reduce harmful traditional practices imposed upon females.

Grier’s EGG club is committed to binging attention to the issues of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide. In the past, EGG has led activities at Grier in honor of the United Nation’s International Day of the Girl, raised money for SchoolCycle, led a Donation Drive to provide basic items to local needy, attended the regional Girl Up Summit, and more. Last year, Grier’s Global 5K event raised $1779 for girls in Guatemala, which enabled 35 girls to participate in a year-long program to increase empowerment.

EGG club leader and Grier senior Annie G. is also the Girl Up Pennsylvania Coalition Leader, working directly with Girl Up to coordinate regional summits and large events. Annie will be attending the National Girl Up Summit in Washington D.C. this summer. During the two-day event, attendees will learn about issues facing girls worldwide, be inspired by celebrity speakers, and have the opportunity to meet with senators on Capitol Hill to advocate for female empowerment.

Learn more about the many clubs and organizations active at Grier. 

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_{By R. Woolfrey | Photo credit: K. Salyards & R.Woolfrey}