The simple fact is that girls completing their primary education are more likely to continue their education into secondary school. When girls are at school, they are less vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. For each year of primary school a girl completes, she will typically earn 10% more than than her non-schooled counterparts. For each year of secondary school completed, that increases to 25%. Girls who regularly attend school also typically marry later and are less likely to fall pregnant while still children themselves. Let's not forget that in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, complications arising in pregnancy or childbirth are the biggest killer of girls aged 15-19.

Not only will educated women be better placed to support their families financially, they will also be better informed in their decision-making and will be more likely to ensure their own children are educated, therefore continuing the 'Ripple Effect' for years to come. Girls' education is crucial.

Poor families across Africa cannot afford sanitary towels or even underwear and feeding their children takes priority. Many girls are forced to use unsanitary rags, animal skins and even chicken feathers as protection while they menstruate. We have even heard of young women digging holes in the ground to sit over in isolation all day. This makes the prospect of going to school while menstruating impossible.

Please consider setting up a monthly Direct Debit of just £5 to support African Children's Fund's 'Education All Month, Every Month' programme that provides girls with sanitary towels, underwear and a monthly education programme so that there is one less reason for them to drop out of school. set-up your Direct Debit on JustGiving by clicking here.

Thank you for your support.