Michelle Obama promotes education for girls during Madrid trip

Michelle Obama and Queen Letizia in Madrid last week. Photo: AFP.

The First Lady of the USA, Michelle Obama, was in the Spanish capital Madrid last week to talk about education for girls under her ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative.

Michelle was accompanied on her visit by her daughters Malia and Sasha, as well as her mother Marian Robinson, having arrived from Morocco on Wednesday last week as part of a three-leg tour of the region…

During a speech in Madrid, the First Lady spoke of her pride at the possibility the USA may soon elect a woman president for the first time ever, and used the occasion to encourage Spanish girls to embrace education opportunities available to them and reach for the stars.

“I’m proud to say that this year, for the first time in history, we might just elect a president – a female president of the United States,” said Michelle, speaking about Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton who is set to contest the presidency later this year against Donald Trump.

The ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative was launched in March 2015 with the aim of helping teenage girls across the globe to access quality education. In Madrid Michelle Obama said: “62 million girls worldwide can’t develop their full potential because they don’t have the chance to attend school.

“Now just imagine how that must feel. Imagine if, at the age of 10, or 11 or 12, someone came to you and said ‘Sorry, you’re a girl, you’re finished with your education. Forget about all your dreams. Instead you’ll marry a man twice your age and start having babies.’”

The First Lady also met with Queen Letizia, whom is described as a “dear friend” by Michelle. Before heading off back to the US, the Obama girls were treated to a private shopping tour along Madrid’s famous Gran Via while their mother gave her address.

Later this month, President Barack Obama is due to visit Spain for an official three-day jaunt.