1. Assessment for girls in Africa Getting practical help November to April 2013 Girl Child Network was formed in 1998, Zimbabwe. GCNW empowers girls in the home, school and community. The model is now replicated in Sierra Leone and Uganda.

2. Why the girl child?

3. Zimbabwe has over 1.5 million orphaned children 52% of which are girl children and at risk 10 girls report rape daily in Zimbabwe (only 1 in 4 cases are reported). A GCN survey found that 93% of all sexual abuse cases involving children in Zimbabwe, were girls. Girl children are the most vulnerable group.

4. Getting Involved Over the last few months I've had the privilege of working with members of GCNW, profiling and recording individual cases of girls needing assistance as they come in.

5. Sierra Leone This is H She was raped by a stranger at the age of 7 She lives with her grandmother, who finds it difficult to pay her school fees. Hawa is an intelligent young girl who aspires to someday become a bank manager.

6. Sierra Leone This is Kadiatu Her father died Kadiatu's mother earns very little so she has to scavenge plastic bottles to supplement her mothers income. High risk of dropping out of school and possibly being abused.

7. Uganda This is Carol Her father is not around Carol and her family are homeless. They sleep in church and eat from dumpsters High risk of catching diseases and dropping out f school.

8. Uganda This is Mary Father left and her mother is not able to work due to heart problems Struggling to find ways to fund her education. High risk of dropping out of school.

9. Delight, Ever, Vision and Michelle were raped because of a belief that virgins can cure HIV / AIDS

10. Chipo Raped by a neighbour Dislocated her spine Unable to walk

11. How Does GCNW assist? Offer support: psychological, medical, educational, social, legal and more Rehabilitation for girls who are survivors of abuse Offer education Teach girls to become leaders and fulfill their potential Build self-esteem Remind girls of the power that exists within themselves

12. Allow access to informational resources and referrals Offer psychological and medical support Education Empowerment Strengthen confidence Enhance creativity Develop empathy Discuss issues and obstacles they face individually and collectively and devise solutions Girls Empowerment Villages

13. Chitsotso Empowerment Village Mwambe Empowerment Village Chihota Empowerment Village

14. We have the power to change our communities!