Plan UK launches interactive Facebook app to get girls into school
Plan UK has released an interactive Facebook app which enables users to list how many popular children’s books they read in their childhood and encourages them to by a virtual book to raise funds for girls in developing nations. It is hoped over time the virtual library will build, showing how many girls could be helped in various Plan countries around the world.
The charity has combined its app with a donation ask and will be the first time it has launched a Facebook app for mobile devices.
The “Education for Girls” Facebook app draws on the nostalgia of popular childhood books, asking users to list how many of the 50 they have read. Drawing parallels with girls in developing nations whose lives are very different users are then asked if they would like to show support for Plan by making a £3 donation buying a virtual book.
Plan UK chief executive Marie Staunton, commented, “We are facing a global crisis in learning with 75 million girls around the world out of school. Shockingly, 80 million young women between the ages of 15 and 24 cannot read or write.
“Children’s books are vital for promoting language development and literacy skills, skills which are crucial in helping girls realise their full potential. By donating a virtual book through Plan’s new app, users can help give girls the education they need to move themselves from a life of poverty, to a future with opportunity.”