International Day of the Girl Child Lesson Plan

International Day of the Girl was established by the UN in 2012 to bring awareness to the needs of the 1.1 billion girls in the world. These needs include the right to education, nutrition, legal rights, and medical care, as well as protection from discrimination, violence and child marriage. The day aims to promote their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. 

Students watch one or all of these short films about remarkable heroes who devote their lives to making things better for young girls.

Then consider the discussion questions and activities. 

Students read the story and watch the films about how having access to a bicycle helps girls go to school in certain parts of the world, and consider the discussion questions and activities. 

Not only do girls around the world not have equal access to education, there are places where young girls are forced to be child brides and mothers. The film Just a Girl tells the story of three young girls in Nigeria who had their childhoods stolen from them when they became child brides and mothers. The film"UKWATI", which translates to “The Wedding”, sheds light on the lengths to which a mother must go when living in extreme poverty. With limited opportunity, scarce resources and lack of education, millions of families are faced with this sobering reality as their daughters become child brides. 

Additional stories honoring those making a positive difference in the lives of girls. 

Discussion Questions

1. What are the challenges girls in countries like Senegal and India encounter when seeking access to education?

2. How do the lives of girls change if they have the opportunity to go to school and receive an education? 

3. How have the groups featured in these films addressed the challenges to education girls face?

4. Do you know of any other people or organizations working to address issues that may be preventing girls from receiving an education? Who are they? Share their story with MY HERO.

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop critical thinking skills as they discuss the barriers girls around the world face regarding education. They will evaluate obstacles that impact the girls' ability to go to school. Students are encouraged to create an action plan. 

Students analyze the art below and discuss the message the artist is conveying.

Students create an original piece of art using text and images to portray an issue facing girls around the world or to portray an activist working towards a solution to submit to MY HERO. 

Emma Gonzalez and Tyra Hemans were students at Stoneman Douglas School and are gun control advocates working to prevent violence.

Whom do you admire who works to prevent violence?

Create a portrait of your hero to submit to MY HERO.

Students read the story about hero Malala by Avery and review her adjective web. Then analyze the Malala's portrait by Sophie before considering the discussion questions and activities.

Students are encouraged to write a story about their hero with original illustrations to submit to MY HERO. 

Discussion Questions and Activities

1. What makes a person a hero?

2. Why do you think Sophie and Avery chose Malala as their hero? 

3. Who is your hero? Create an adjective web like Avery did about your hero. 

4. Create a portrait or other artwork representing your hero and write a story about him or her to submit to MY HERO.

5. Have a Hero Celebration by creating a  display of students' adjective webs, portraits or artwork about heroes, and invite parents, other family members or students to view the display and listen to students' hero stories.  

Outstanding essays submitted to MY HERO will be considered for a certificate/t-shirt prize or be featured on the Story Homepage.

Submit your artwork to be entered in the MY HERO art contest or to be exhibited on our Gallery Homepage.