This month for Day of the Girl, which falls on October 11th every year, we are doing something a little different than our virtual and in-person events of years past and supporting a girls' soccer tournament in Zimbabwe. MTC’s Girls Soccer Tournament on October 16 will commemorate International Day of the Girl in the Chimanimani Rural District of Zimbabwe. MTC’s girls’ scholarship program and soccer tournament aim to reduce the number of school dropouts due to early marriage to teen pregnancy. Sports help develops girls’ self-esteem, leadership, and teamwork skills. And the tournament engages schools, political and religious leaders, and other community members in the shared objective of empowering girls through sport and education. MTC’s programs set up girls like Phiona, 16, to take a successful shot in life. Phiona was adopted by her aunt after the death of her parents. But when her aunt could no longer afford to pay for her schooling, she had to drop out despite her good grades. Now an MTC scholar, Phiona has proved to be a dedicated student and a great role model. This year she was a appointed to the student leadership position of school prefect. Phiona will also participate in this year’s soccer tournament! You go, girls, and may the best team win! And thank you to ConnectHER’s donors. When it comes to giving girls a bright future, it’s good to know that we’re all on the same team.