WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | College student helps girls in Senegal go to school

College student helps girls in Senegal go to school

Most college juniors will tell you they're busy studying and socializing, but Allyson Goldsmith has a little bit more going on.

She runs a non-profit organization.

While interning in Senegal, the sociology major at Brandeis University learned of a problem. Students there can't go to school without a birth certificate, but many families can't afford them.

"I was just so shocked and couldn't believe that that was what was stopping these girls from achieving their dreams," says Allyson.

So Allyson started ELEVEate, which not only provides girls with birth certificates, it raises money to help with school supplies and a summer camp.

Most of the girls say they'd like to be teachers, doctors or lawyers, but educating women in the country is more difficult than educating men.

"They are disproportionately affected by this program because the families will save up money to help the boys get through school just based on the way the gender hierarchy system works in the country," says Allyson.

But enough people showed up to a fundraising event at Allyson's home in Lexington Thursday night to prove many in America want these girls to succeed.

"Small donations here in the United States can have dramatic effects in Senegal and in West Africa," says donor Dan Walz.

"It's wonderful to see that she's actually developed this into a non-profit organization that's going to have a broader reach and help even more young women," says Walz.

More than $2,000 dollars were raised; the money will directly benefit 172 girls.

Hearing back from some of the girls she helps is thanks enough for Allyson.

"It's the most amazing feeling in the world, I can't even explain it," she says.