Bond's UN Students Association is doing it in a dress

A team of Bond University students are back in their school uniforms this week to raise awareness and funds in support of girls’ education in Sierra Leone.

The 20 students are all members of the Bond United Nations Students Association and are taking part in the annual ‘Do It In a Dress’ campaign run by Melbourne-based NGO OneGirl in October each year.

“We’re all wearing school dresses to uni this week – including the guys – and seeking donations from friends, family, fellow students and teachers to support OneGirl’s education programs in West Africa,” said Bond UN Students Association President, Alice McDonald.

“Worldwide, 66 million girls are denied access to education. OneGirl’s manifesto is that we have the power to change this situation one girl at a time.

“Research shows that giving girls access to schooling leads to generational change where, as educated women, they will earn a higher income to support their families and, when they marry, will focus on educating their own children.

“Specifically, the money we raise goes towards the education of girls in Sierra Leone where five out of six girls do not have the opportunity to go to school.”

Every $300 the Bond students raise this week will allow a girl in Sierra Leone to attend school for an entire year. In 2013, they raised $3506 which gave 11 girls access to education and they are hoping to increase their total this year.

“We are lucky enough to be studying at a fantastic university where we can experience the power of education first hand,” said Ms McDonald.

“This gives us the ability and confidence to determine our own path in life, as well as broaden our perspectives.

“We believe this should be a universal right and we are working hard to make this become a reality.”

Donations to Bond UN Students Association’s Do It In a Dress campaign can be made online or contact Alice McDonald.