Students at Columba College, Dunedin, say #BringBackOurGirls

Students from 35 New Zealand high schools have united to call
for the safe return of the school girls abducated by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria,
in a campaign co-ordinated by high school student and Soroptimist Caitlin
Addison.

"These girls, their families and their communities are undergoing a
terrible ordeal and we as high school students need to continue to show our
support for the girls of Nigeria”, says Caitlin.  “It is important that youth have a voice and
are actively involved in issues that really matter."

“Support from students for the campaign has been overwhelming. We need to
show Governments around the world that freedom and education are a right
everywhere and pressure must continue until the girls are returned home.” 

 Soroptimist and Columba College student Caitlin (left) with her sister Eloise.

As well as encouraging students to show their
support for the Nigerian schoolgirls by wearing
white and green ribbons [the colour of the Nigerian flag] to school, Caitlin, a
student at Dunedin Columba College, has helped to promote awareness
through TV and radio interviews. The Facebook group that she set up to co-ordinate the campaign has
over 1400 members.

Daughter and grand-daughter and great-grand-daughter of Soroptimists Caitlin joined
Soroptimist International Gore a month
ago. Her grandmother, Anne Gover, is currently Membership Convenor for
the SI South West Pacific Federation.  "I am really proud to be a fourth
generation Soroptimist member, it is great to be part of a global organisation
where women are encouraged to take action on important issues."

Senior Girls from Westland High School were among those who’ve
taken part in the campaign. Soroptimist International President-Elect Yvonne Simpson,
who teaches at the school, reports that three of the girls who participated
will be inducted into the SI Westland club on 26^th May.

 

Westland High School Students and Stasff, with SI President-Elect (and teacher) Yvonne Simpson

Media coverage of the New Zealand campaign
Radio
NZ interview
Stuff.co.nz
article
3
News video and article

Soroptimists in Nigeria and around the world speak out

Soroptimists in Nigeria and around the world have been helping
to promote awareness of the plight of the kidnapped girls, and the risks faced
by many girls around the world as they pursue an education.

See pictures below of Soroptimists from UK, USA, Nigeria and New Zealand.

 

Statement from Soroptimist International Association of Nigeria

Statement from Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie