As part of her #LetGirlsLearn initiative, the first lady of the United States passed through Morocco this week, spending two days and one night in the kingdom.
Landing on June 27 with her two daughters in tow, the first lady announced a $100 million investment in a new secondary education model within the kingdom.
The money will come from the Millennium Challenge Corporation and is intended to benefit 100,000 students, including some 50,000 adolescent girls.
Obama also met with a group of young girls from across the country, joined by American actress Meryl Streep and Indian actress Freida Pinto.
The first lady listened to the girls' personal stories about education and society, sharing several of them via her Instagram account.
Here are some of the stories Obama shared...
Karima Lakouz
"In our community boys are always dominating in the science and tech field -- and I want to show them that girls are smart, and to say, 'step out of the way - we're coming through, we are going to make it to the top.'" -Karima Lakouz from Ouarzazte, Morrocco. After high school Karima wants to become an electrical engineer.
Fouzia Toukart
"My mom inspires me. I'd like to achive what she couldn't and wanted to do. My dream is to eventually get my doctorate and one day help other girls across Morocco." -Fouzia Toukart from a small town outside of Marrakesh. Like many of her peers in her small village, Fouzia was pushed to get married and have children -- but she had a brighter future planned for herself, and ended up as the top student in her class. Today, she's in her final year at college and wants to one day be a translator.
Karima Er-Reyahy
"I will not stop, and I will carry on to help girls to achieve their dreams and to carry on education." -Karima Er-Reyahy from Essaouira, Morocco. Despite many hardships from a young age, Karima overcame these challenges and became the first in her family to graduate high school. Now enrolled in college, she hopes to one day become a teacher herself, and is currently working with the @PeaceCorps GLOW Camp to support girls who are trying to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.
Obama highlighted the diverse dreams all these Moroccan girls have.
These girls want to be doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers. One wants to be a politician fighting for the rights of young women and working to combat climate change. Another dreams of opening an auto shop focused on helping women learn about cars so they can become more independent.
With a little effort, all of these girls will be set to accomplish their dreams and go wherever life takes them!
