International Day of Education 2026 – Supporting Learning in Everyday Life
Supporting Learning in Everyday Life
Not all barriers to education are financial. Many girls, particularly those facing language, social, or learning challenges, need additional support to keep up at school, build confidence, and develop the core skills that allow learning to take root. Early intervention, tutoring, and practical guidance can make the difference between disengagement and steady progress.
The projects featured here focus on education as a daily, lived experience. Through literacy support, tutoring, mentoring, and skills development, Soroptimist clubs help girls stay connected to school and see the value of education in their own lives. These initiatives show how consistent, local support can strengthen learning pathways and help girls build foundations for the future.
SI Bonaberi, Cameroon – Learning Her Way Forward
SI Bonaberi works with girls at the SMART College of Technology in Douala to support learning that connects education with real life. The project focuses on secondary school girls aged 12 to 19, including those facing financial or social barriers to staying in school. Support includes help with school fees, learning materials, mentoring, and guidance from female professionals.
Alongside classroom learning, girls take part in skills development and practical activities that help them apply what they learn beyond school. This approach builds confidence and helps families and communities see the value of girls’ education in everyday terms. The project runs each year and reaches around 40 to 60 girls, with benefits extending to families, schools, and the wider community. By supporting learning and practical application together, SI Bonaberi helps girls stay in education and take an active role in shaping their futures.
Soroptimist Club of Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany – Literacy and Language Support
The Soroptimist Club of Ludwigshafen am Rhein, working with the Soroptimist Club of Frankenthal, supports young girls from multilingual households through weekly literacy and language sessions in a local primary school. The project focuses on girls aged six to ten who face challenges at school due to limited exposure to German at home.
Soroptimist volunteers provide small-group support, using reading, writing, and storytelling activities to strengthen language skills and build confidence. Sessions take place in close cooperation with school staff and respond directly to needs identified by teachers. Around 75 girls have taken part so far, with positive feedback from both families and educators.
By offering steady, personal support at an early stage, the project helps girls feel more confident in class and better connected to school life, laying strong foundations for future learning.
Soroptimist Club of Lisboa Caravela, Portugal – Free Tutoring for Students in Need
SI Lisboa Caravela runs a free tutoring programme for children and young people who lack access to paid academic support. The project works with university volunteers who provide online tutoring to students facing economic or family hardship, including those in institutional care.
Tutors support learners in subjects such as mathematics, languages, history, and citizenship, helping students address specific learning difficulties and stay engaged with school. The programme responds to direct requests for help and focuses on steady academic support rather than short-term intervention. Early feedback shows improved confidence and progress among participating students.
The club continues to develop the project and plans to introduce in-person sessions where possible. By connecting students with volunteer tutors, SI Lisboa Caravela helps ensure that education remains accessible, supportive, and responsive to individual needs.
Further reading
Access to Lifelong Learning – Soroptimist International position paper outlining the importance of learning opportunities for women and girls at every stage of life.
Access to Education and Training – Soroptimist International position paper setting out policy priorities to support inclusive, equitable education and skills development.