She’s the First debuts its first campus chapter just in time for International Women’s Day at Humber Lakeshore’s CCR Experience Expo.
She’s the First flyer at CCR Experience Expo
She’s the First (STF) is a New York-based organization that supports girls’ education through full scholarships provided to those in low-income countries. In further advocacy for global education, STF offers opportunities for colleges and universities to create a Campus Chapter that increases awareness within their local and international communities.
Gaby Harris, a 23-year-old International Development Post-Graduate student, sought the need to create a Campus Chapter for Humber College after volunteering for STF in Australia during her semester abroad last year.
She states, “A lot of times, the boys in the family will be chosen over the girls for various reasons, so [STF] chooses girls who will be the first in their family who will attend secondary school.”
Through accelerated club meetings with volunteers, mostly from the International Development programs, Harris successfully launched the club alongside other CCR-Certified programs in L-Building this afternoon.
The poster next to She’s the First table at the CCR Experience Expo
“People are so interested during days like today,” she says. “So we made sure we were up and running by International Women’s Day.”
Harris says the importance to get involved comes from the awareness that living in the GTA will often prevent us from thinking of school as a privilege. While it may seem like a right here, it is not the case for others. She also adds that community volunteering aids post-graduates in employability when applying for future job opportunities. “A lot of agencies or organizations that you may work for in the future really respect that you’ve taken time out of your personal life to volunteer for a good cause.”
The process began early September after sending applications to both STF and IGNITE but was inevitably postponed due to the Ontario College Strike. The momentum picked up once classes resumed and said that they’re gaining a lot more sign-ups today than they expected.
The campus chapter’s first fundraising initiative will be next month at the MEC Toronto Road Race Series 2018. Volunteers, Harris included, will participate in the race and collect donations through a fundraiser page with all proceeds directed towards She’s the First.
To keep up with She’s the First at Humber, follow their Instagram page: @stf_humber
For more information about She’s the First, visit shesthefirst.org
