President Trump’s administration has been forced to deny plans to scrap Michelle Obama’s ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative.
CNN initially reported that Trump had advised employees that the program would no longer be maintain.
An email sent to Peace Corps employees by the agency’s acting director, Sheila Crowley read, “Moving forward, we will not continue to use the ‘Let Girls Learn’ brand or maintain a stand-alone program.”
However within hours of these reports being published, the Trump administration issued a statement to clarify that the program had not been changed.
State Department spokesperson, Heather Nauert said, “There have been no changes to the program.”
“The Administration supports policies and programs to empower adolescent girls, including efforts to educate them through the completion of secondary school.”
“We are committed to empowering women and girls around the world and are continuing to examine the best ways to do so.”
The ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative was created in 2015 with the aim of using public and private partnerships to help to increase educational opportunities for girls, including those in areas of conflict and crisis.
The program has gone on to invest at least $1 billion across 50 different countries.
Despite having left her position of First Lady, education for girls is something that is still top of Michelle Obama’s priorities.
Speaking during her first appearance since leaving the White House, Obama said, “One issue that I am excited about continuing to work on is…to help young girls get an education around the world.”
“The plight of women and girls is real…The struggles are real.”
