NAIROBI, KENYA – Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has released the 13th episode of its TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation,” shining a spotlight on the critical issue of child marriage. The episode is part of the foundation’s efforts to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
The latest episode features a dynamic trio: Ms. Nancy, a TV presenter and style coach from Ghana; Gaone Mangogola, a talented designer from Botswana; and Stephany-Lee Schmidt, a Merck Foundation Fashion Award Winner from Namibia. Together, they showcased their designs, which conveyed powerful messages against child marriage. The episode also included the Merck Foundation song “Girls Can” by popular singers Cwesi Oteng and Irene Logan, promoting girl education and empowerment.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized the importance of addressing child marriage, stating, “Africa has one of the highest rates of child marriages in the world, with every 4 in 10 girls married before the age of 18.” She highlighted the role of education in preventing child marriage, citing Merck Foundation’s “Educating Linda” program, which provides scholarships and grants to girls in Africa.
“By providing education to girls, we can empower them to make informed choices and say no to gender discrimination and violence,” Dr. Kelej added. “Through our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community, we aim to utilize fashion and art to raise awareness and sensitize communities about social and health issues.”
The TV program is currently broadcasting on KTN Home in Kenya every Saturday at 5 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am. It has also been broadcasted on prime TV stations across Africa, including BTV (Botswana), Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne & TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), and ZNBC TV (Zambia). Additionally, “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe.
Watch the 13th episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” on their social media handles or prime TV stations across Africa, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #StopChildMarriage.
