Girl Rising | Haiti Chapter

Summary

The transcript tells the story of Wadley, a young girl in Haiti, who faces hardships after the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. Despite the struggles of living in a tent camp and the challenge of not being able to attend school due to financial difficulties, Wadley remains determined to pursue her education. She recalls the vibrant wildflowers of the dry season and draws strength from the memory of brighter days. Wadley's resilience highlights the broader issue of millions of girls worldwide struggling to access education, emphasizing the high value of educating girls in developing regions.

Takeaways

• 📚 Millions of girls, despite education being a high-return investment, are out of school, with 130 million aged 6-17 currently not attending.
• 💔 Hundreds of millions more girls struggle to remain in classrooms due to various barriers.
• 🌼 The story focuses on a girl named Wadley, who lives in Haiti, and her experiences post-earthquake as she navigates the challenges of continuing her education.
• 🌸 Wadley reflects on the beauty of the dry season, where wildflowers bloom, representing hope and possibility in her life.
• 💡 Wadley is inspired by historical figures like Toussaint Louverture, imagining herself as brave and strong, but she also longs for more representation of women in history.
• 🍲 Every day, Wadley brings snacks from her mother, sharing them with a new friend, Zelda, whose father was tragically killed.
• 🏫 After the earthquake, Wadley misses school, frequently thinking about her friends and their lessons as she navigates the ruins of her neighborhood.
• 💧 Instead of going to school, Wadley now spends her days fetching water, highlighting the shift in her life and the struggles her community faces.
• 💰 Wadley contemplates the power and curse of money, understanding that it determines access to food, education, and social treatment.
• 🎓 Despite the lack of money and the aftermath of the earthquake, Wadley resolves to return to school, determined to overcome the obstacles in her path.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted in the script regarding girls' education?

Despite the high return on investment in educating girls in the developing world, millions of girls are not receiving an education, with 130 million girls aged six to seventeen out of school.

What significant event is mentioned in the script that affected Wadley's life?

The script mentions an earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010, which drastically changed Wadley's life and her community, leading to the destruction of her school and the loss of her routine.

What was Wadley doing on the morning of January 12, 2010 before the earthquake?

On the morning of January 12, 2010, Wadley was memorizing Toussaint Louverture's final speech and was fascinated by the wildflowers blooming during the dry season.

How did Wadley's school experience change after the earthquake?

After the earthquake, Wadley's school was destroyed, and instead of attending classes, she had to fetch water from a fountain with a bucket and passed through the ruins of her neighborhood daily.

What did Wadley's mother do during the day after the earthquake?

Wadley's mother roamed the city during the day looking for friends and family from whom to seek help, indicating the disruption of normal life and the struggle for survival.

What was Wadley's attitude towards education after the earthquake?

Wadley was determined to continue her education despite the lack of money and the destruction of her school, showing a strong desire to learn and a belief in the importance of education.

What was the significance of the wildflowers in Wadley's life?

The wildflowers symbolized hope and the possibility of achieving the impossible for Wadley. They looked brighter when she was happy and seemed to thrive, reflecting her hope.