Renowned television personality, Hong Jin Kyung, has taken a stand to support African girls trapped in the peril of child marriage.
World Vision Korea unveiled its groundbreaking initiative, the “1,000 Girls” campaign, in collaboration with Hong Jin Kyung on February 11 KST. The primary aim of this campaign is to extend a helping hand to young girls vulnerable to early matrimony in Africa.
A startling statistic by UNICEF reveals that approximately 14.2 million girls worldwide are forced into marriage before they turn 18 each year, robbing them of educational opportunities and leaving them susceptible to exploitation and labor.
The campaign aims to provide crucial aid to girls in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Burundi, and Sierra Leone. Through initiatives such as sexual and reproductive health education, menstrual hygiene awareness and supplies, and enhancements to restroom facilities for female students, the funds raised will make a significant impact. Furthermore, the venture will empower young women through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs to achieve economic autonomy.
Key objectives include educating parents and local communities about the detriments of child marriage, setting up reliable channels for reporting incidents of child marriage, sexual abuse, and violence, as well as delivering prompt intervention and protection services to children at risk.
Enthusiasts of the campaign can support a girl by participating in personalized sponsorship. Regular donors will receive a special “With Bear” keyring, symbolizing the safety of young girls progressing through education, akin to a teddy bear donning a school bag.
As a dedicated sponsor of World Vision for many years, Hong Jin Kyung generously lent her time and skills to this noble cause. Expressing her heartfelt sentiments, she shared, “It pains me to witness girls deprived of the joys of childhood and learning due to the shackles of child marriage. I urge everyone to join this drive so that these girls can relish a carefree childhood and mature in a secure environment.”