12-year-old Yorda’s name means “a place like a beautiful river,” and she has the most infectious laughter. She is thrilled to be entering the 9th grade this year at the new Robit high school constructed recently by Glimmer. It’s the first high school this community has had, and without it Yorda would not pursue her dream to become a doctor.

A dream her parents support with such fervor that they turned down a recent marriage proposal from a local teenage boy so that Yorda could stay in school. Unlike Yorda’s older sister who dropped out of school in 7th grade to get married, and has never gone back to the classroom.

In a country where 80% of women do not know how to read or write because of a lack of education, it’s even more important that girls like Yorda have a chance to go to high school. And to a school like this school that has desks, a chalkboard and a good learning environment to boost these girls chances to succeed.

On top of this, Yorda’s new school will help her stay in school year round. Last year Yorda missed class because she was sick from drinking dirty water. But this school will provide access to clean water and latrines to help keep everyone healthy and focused on learning instead of an upset stomach.

With family support, clean water and a brand new high school, Yorda is well on her way to getting the education she needs to escape her family’s cycle of poverty.