A Surbiton teenager is standing up for girls’ rights on her birthday by donating money to support vulnerable girls around the world.

Jordana Price, who celebrated her eighteenth birthday this week, has decided to forgo birthday presents and has instead asked her friends and family to donate money to girls’ rights charity Plan International UK.

Plan International UK is one of the world’s leading global children’s charities working to provide quality education and healthcare and protect girls’ and boys’ rights across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Jordana says: “I’ve been so lucky growing up and I want to help support other young people, especially girls, who haven’t had the same opportunities. “I couldn’t think of a better birthday present than my friends and I contributing to a present that can help give young people on the other side of the world increased access to opportunities and to boost their aspirations,” she added.

Millions of girls around the world are being discriminated against because of their gender. Plan International UK delivers practical solutions that help girls lift themselves, their families and their communities out of poverty.

Jordana is a longstanding supporter of the charity’s work, and raised over £850 for Plan International UK by taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in 2014. She has also fundraised in her school.

“I began supporting Plan International after finding out about their ‘Because I am A Girl’ campaign, along with the other great work they do,” Jordana explains. “Empowering young women and girls and giving them access to education is vital for the development of many of the world’s poorest communities today."

“As a young woman, the campaign really struck home with me as I have been given so many opportunities in life and I really want to give back and help support girls who haven’t been as lucky. “Plan tackles the tough issues like female genital mutilation and forced marriage and fights to get girls into school, which changes lives for generations, making their world even more powerful.”

“My family and friends have been so incredibly generous and supportive. Everyone has been willing to donate. They are excited to be involved in helping raise funds for something that can have a much wider impact than an ordinary birthday present.”

Kevin Machin, from the charity’s fundraising team, said: “It’s so generous of Jordana to give up her birthday presents to support those less fortunate than herself. “The contributions from her family and friends will make a real difference to vulnerable girls around the world. From all of us at Plan International UK, a very happy birthday Jordana.”

Based on information supplied by .