RISE:
Resilient, Inclusive, Skilled, Educated
RISE, Girl Rising’s holistic learner-centered education programme equips adolescents with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to learn, thrive, and shape their futures.
Through flexible, locally adapted learning grounded in storytelling, social-emotional learning, and digital and financial literacy, RISE helps young people navigate school, work, and life in a rapidly changing world.
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Using Stories to Spark Discovery
Storytelling is a central to RISE. We share the stories of real girls, their aspirations, their challenges to introduce complex topics and build understanding. Through RISE, adolescents also write their own stories, identifying their strengths, allies and aspirations. And through collaborative and participatory activities, RISE helps adolescents build essential skills, including:
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Social-emotional skills to support confidence, resilience, and agency
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Critical thinking to analyse information, challenge bias, and make informed decisions
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Financial literacy to support independence and long-term planning
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Digital literacy to prepare young people for a rapidly evolving world
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Storytelling to strengthen identity, confidence, and the ability to share lived experiences
See how RISE comes to life in classrooms and communities
How RISE uses Wadley’s powerful story
Wadley’s story is one of the most loved chapters of the Girl Rising film. It see her courage, resilience and determination after a devastating setback. Her story shows us that education is not just about school — it is about opportunity, safety, and the chance to imagine a different future.
Through RISE, Wadley’s story sparks reflection and conversation, inviting young people to consider questions like:
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When have you faced a setback — and what helped you keep going?
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When have you had to speak up for yourself — and what helped you find your voice?
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How can one person’s determination change what's possible?
Addressing the Barriers Around Adolescents
RISE recognises that education thrives within supportive ecosystems. The programme strengthens teachers’ ability to challenge gender bias and support all students in inclusive learning environments.
Some partners integrate parent and caregiver engagement to help families create safe, supportive spaces for learning, while others focus primarily on students and educators. This adaptability allows partners to implement RISE in ways that are most relevant and impactful for their communities, while maintaining a strong focus on skills, equity, and opportunity.
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National Recognition and Global Scale
A 24-part version of RISE has been accredited by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), under Kenya’s Ministry of Education, which ensures curricula meet rigorous national standards. This accreditation demonstrates the programme’s quality and supports scaling within Kenya’s education system and beyond.
Girl Rising is also working in collaboration with government authorities in India to implement and expand RISE through school and community-based programmes.