Community Corner

'Help a Girl Get an Education'

Fiona Wisehart, of South Salem, is determined to help her friend – "an amazing 18-year-old girl from Pakistan" whom she met at a girls' leadership program over the summer – receive an education. 

Wisehart launched a Go Fund Me campaign on Dec. 31, 2013 and has already raised $450 toward her $10,000 goal. Her friend, whom she is calling Malala 2, is all alone in the United States and seeking asylum here, Wisehart wrote

"She has left her family and her culture behind due to the very difficult issues of being a female and fulfilling her educational goals," she said. "She has a small group of supporters made up of girls from the leadership program and several women who have gotten involved from across the country. Education is very important to our friend."

Despite all the obstacles, Malala 2 wants to get a college education. She is currently  living in a shelter and taking ESL and GED classes. 

"She is extremely intelligent and motivated," Wisehart said of her friend. "Once she has been granted asylum she will be eligible for a small stipend and be able to work part time. However, she cannot achieve her goals without help now."

For more information and to learn how to help, click here


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