Beneficiary of ICN/FNIF Girl Child Education Fund becomes Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Commissioner for Oaths

A beneficiary of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and Florence Nightingale International Foundation (FNIF)’s Girl Child Education Fund, Clare Odunga, has become an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Commissioner for Oaths.

The Girl Child Education Fund (GCEF) supports the primary and secondary school education of orphaned daughters of nurses in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. Since the initiation of the programme over 400 girls have been enrolled in the GCEF and 285 girls have graduated from secondary school. Currently 77 girls are receiving funds under the scheme.

Currently working as a legal researcher at the Judiciary of Kenya, Clare Odunga graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi and holds a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law. Previously, she was engaged in private law practice, particularly in commercial and civil law areas.

ICN President Annette Kennedy said:

“We are so proud of everything Clare has accomplished. Her achievements go to show that investing in the education of these girls is so rewarding for society, and provides them with a future that is out of their reach without our help. Schooling is vital and often means survival for young girls in emerging nations. Orphaned girls are often not given the opportunity to complete their studies and dropping out of school can lead to a score of dangers and disadvantages which have an impact not only on them as individuals, but also on the whole of society. The GCEF gives them the education they need to build a future, while increasing gender equality, leading to economic growth and decreasing gender-based violence.

‘We are so grateful to the GCEF Coordinators who are a huge support to these girls in every aspect of their lives even after they graduate. We can’t thank them enough for their commitment to the Fund and to helping girls, like Clare, to achieve their dreams.”

The four National Nurses Associations of Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia were featured in a presentation at ICN’s virtual Congress on 2 November. They showcased their work with the girls, and the incredible progress they have made in their lives, thanks to the support of the fund in enabling them to continue their education up to the age of 18.

Within the framework of Congress, ICN is calling for donations for the GCEF to give these girls a chance at a future and to support the nurses of Africa who are sacrificing their lives to care for others.

Approximately USD 1,400 will secure the education of a girl annually, covering the cost for school fees, books, uniforms and school supplies. Donations to the Girl Child Education Fund can be made by credit card, bank transfer or cheque.

Help us to promote the Girl Child Education Fund with the GCEF digital marketing package.

The ICN Congress is currently underway virtually. For more information go to: https://icncongress2021.org/

Download the communique here