Discovery Communications Launches African Education Initiative

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SILVER SPRING: Discovery Communications is partnering with the Department for International Development (DFID) in the U.K. to help support education for females in Africa.

In Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, Discovery Communications is investing £12.3 million ($19.7 million) into girls' education. This investment will be match-funded by the DFID. Discovery Learning Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, will serve as an implementing partner. The DFID is also funding a number of smaller projects promoting the same cause in Asia and West Africa as part of the Girls' Education Challenge.

The Discovery Communications program will reach more than 1.2 million marginalized girls across the three countries. It includes the establishment of 1,000 learning centers in schools, which will offer sustainable technology, video programming and training for teachers, as well as community outreach strategies. The initiative will also help create nationally-broadcast discussion shows and teach communities how to encourage girls to stay committed to their education and do well in school.

Justine Greening, the international development secretary, commented: "Investing in girls is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. Education is vital if girls are to reach their full potential and contribute to society. Girls with an education marry later, have fewer and healthier children, and when she can earn extra income, a woman will reinvest 90 percent of it in her family and community. By using the skills and expertise of Discovery Communications and others, we are giving more girls the opportunity to transform their lives through education."

David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Discovery Communications, added: "Discovery is proud to partner with the U.K. Department for International Development to provide marginalized girls in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria with important resources to help them thrive. As the world's #1 nonfiction media company, Discovery has kept education core to its mission, and through our global efforts, we have utilized the power of media to improve lives and support community development."