GSGC’s First “Believe in Girls” Summit- An Inspirational Success!

November 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

What do you get when GSGC partners who are working to empower girls in sub-Saharan Africa and members of the GSGC come together for a day and a half? A whole lot of inspiration, motivation, and information, not to mention a room full of new friends!

On October 19 and 20, in Livingstone, Zambia, GSGC held its first partner gathering. Just as we were scheduled to begin our session in the garden by the pool, the skies opened up and the 100-degree temperatures gave way to the long-awaited and much-needed first rains of the season.

So, we settled inside and our hosts turned on a dime—transforming what was to have been a braai (outdoor barbecue) into an indoor buffet—while our group mixed and mingled, getting to know one another and connecting over our shared passion for lifting up girls. Lively conversations continued through dinner and into the wee hours as roommates bonded while ethereal nets kept the mosquitoes away, and small but mighty air conditioning units hummed overhead.

As we gathered the next morning at the very Western (and very air conditioned) Zambezi Sun, laughter and tears flowed with stories of struggles and successes. Everyone shared about their project and we brainstormed on a wide range of topics from fundraising to improving operational processes to building connections/ partnerships within local communities to ways of involving extended families (especially boys) in the conversation about girls.

Our partners were moved to tears by the inspirational story of Liberia’s Nobel laureate, Leeymah Gbowee. Many personally identified with Tererai Trent, a Zimbabwean woman who moved heaven and earth to get an education and was recognized by Oprah Winfrey as she was about to receive her PhD. They were reminded not to fear their own power with a clip from the movie Akeelah and the Bee and embraced the importance of sending positive messages.

Before lunch we walked out to a nearby pond where everyone threw a stone to remind our partners that no matter how small their efforts may seem, they have a ripple effect that touches many people.  Though only three GSGC members were there in person for this amazing workshop, we carried the well wishes, hard work, ideas, inspiration, and support of each and every one of you with us. Those of us who were lucky enough to be there agreed that memories of this gathering will stay with us for a lifetime. The image of throwing stones in the water and watching the rings ripple out to the edge of the pond is a good reminder for all of us that together we can make a big difference for girls in even the farthest corners of the world.

Here’s to the success of the first GSGC partner gathering and to many more in the future!

-Kendra Howe

A few comments from participants:

The summit had a great genuine feel to it and I think we all underestimated the powerful emotions that such a gathering would stir up. I felt, and still do, very humbled and thankful to be a part of it. Big thanks GSGC.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take part in the Global Sojourns girls’ believe workshop. It was very valuable to me and I learnt a lot.  I found the camaraderie and support of all the ladies a great comfort and left Livingstone with a much lighter heart. 

I found attending the workshop very helpful and it inspired me to try to do more  – or to just find the time to do more.  There is now a definite feeling that I am not working on my own.

The summit had a great genuine feel to it and I think we all underestimated the powerful emotions that such a gathering would stir up. I felt, and still do, very humbled and thankful to be a part of it. Big thanks GSGC.

What an amazing time!  Wow – loved it.  There is much to do but I feel great.  Thanks for putting it together!

 Thank you for making a difference in my life.

Filed Under: Girls Empowerment, Partners

GSGC Helps Set Up Library for Children in Victoria Falls

May 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Yvonne brought her experience as a librarian in Orange County schools to help our local partner, Rose of Charity, set up a library. Besides delivering books and materials for the library, Yvonne sorted, organized and provided training on how to set up and manage a library.

She went to work with amazing organizing skills, ordering books and materials so they are very accessible now and leaving Rose of Charity with a system that they can build on.

Thank you Yvonne!

Access to books and learning materials is extremely limited in Zimbabwe. Rose of Charity is providing these children with an opportunity to expand their skills, knowledge and potential through the library.

 

 

Filed Under: GSGC Trips, Rose of Charity

Girl Power! Comes to Victoria Falls

April 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

In March our partner, Rose of Charity, based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe launched their GSGC workshops for girls called Girl Power!

An enthusiastic, vibrant group of girls aged 10-12 met for four consecutive Saturdays to learn about:

  • healthy living / personal hygiene
  • sex education & HIV/AIDS
  • gender roles
  • goals & dreams
  • careers and mentors

The girls, some of whom are orphaned, come from economically vulnerable households in the high density areas of Victoria Falls.

Members of the GS Giving Circle were fortunate to observe the workshop on goals & dreams.

It was wonderful to see the girls in their matching red Rose of Charity t-shirts, gathered in the shade of a big tree in the front yard on the home,  talking about their future, goals, families, and all the things they can aspire to.  It was a positive day for them; what a great opportunity!            -Yvonne

Spending time in Victoria, Falls, observing young women participating in their first GSGC sponsored Workshop was so uplifting!  Sima, from Rose of Charity confidently guided the girls through self discovery with thoughtful questions and statements of empowerment!  It was clear that this workshop motivated some of the girls to step up into leadership roles as well as encouraging the more shy and timid to find a role.                                                                                                -Paige

It’s a pure blessing to see these girls so enthusiastic to learn and to see our local partners doing such a great job providing them with this unique opportunity to better their lives.                                                                                                                                      -Priscilla                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Great job Sima and Niyka!  You are truly making a difference in the lives of these girls.

 

Filed Under: Girls Empowerment, Rose of Charity

Broadening Girls’ Lives through Art and Mentorship

April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The girls get a special chance to "experience art" with Agnes

The GSGC invited six girls (aged 11-13) for a special art class with Agnes Yombwe.  Agnes, prominent artist, inspiring mentor and our GSGC liaison in Livingstone, provided them with an afternoon of art lessons as well as life lessons thrown in!We believe one of the ways to support orphaned and vulnerable children is to expose them to new and meaningful experiences that will hopefully impact their thinking and dreaming of a better future.  Time with Agnes not only helped them experience and tap into their creative side, it also let them spend time  with a woman who truly inspires them, helps them see their worth and motivates them to work hard.  It was a joy for me to be a part of this memorable event.

I observed girls with abilities and talents and such potential just needing the support and encouragement to shine.   During a break while having snacks and free time, the girls gathered around a play structure freely laughing and taking time for carefree play, reminding us how important this time was as well.

The painting and beading experience came to an end all too soon and the girls piled into their transport with their masterpieces in hand.  Smiles all around and who knows, there may be a budding artist emerging soon…..or a belief that this new challenge was fun and a ‘look what I can do attitude’!

I feel so fortunate to be a part of this Circle and experience first -hand the benefit of how a small act can have such a positive the impact on all of us. -Paige Hasson

Florence, Jenipher, Evelyn, Petronella, Caren, Rachel and Arisius

Filed Under: Girls Empowerment, Ripple Effect, Tusa Munyandi

Helping Children in Livingstone Receive Much Needed Books

April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Thanks to the efforts of GSGC member Linda Dee, we were able to secure children’s books being sent on a rare shipment to Livingstone from Books for Africa to be distributed to our partners on the ground.

A note from partner, Tusa Munyandi:

We received a total number of 530 books together with a four shelved cabinet where we are keeping them. We are going to open up a library for the children where they will be coming to peruse through the books and read. A provision will be put in place for those who would like to borrow books and take home for a specified period. We have already identified one member of the Organization who will be the Librarian. Children in the higher grades (Grades 8-12) will benefit more as there are quite many books of their level, (26 children). We will try to send you a photograph of the books and the children when we secure a camera.

We thank you most sincerely for the donation of the books. Be rest assured that we will use them properly for the benefit of the children.

Warm greetings,

Ernest Maombe

Director

Filed Under: Ripple Effect, Tusa Munyandi

Paige’s Visit to Rachel’s School- A Highlight of Her Trip to Africa

March 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

One of the highlights of my visit to Livingstone was a special visit with Rachel.  She has been a friend to GSGC since our memorable outing almost three years ago to Victoria Falls.  GSGC members accompanied around 40 of the vulnerable/orphaned children from our local partner Tusa Munyandi on a ‘field trip’ to the falls.  Rachel has remained connected to us and Priscilla always takes time to check on her each time she is in the area.

As you can imagine life has been full of challenges for Rachel and her family.  She is one of seven children being raised in a household by two aunties.  Her father and mother died soon after she was born.  Her auntie, Eneless, volunteers in the new Tusa Munyandi Preschool. Rachel is 12 years old, in grade 7 and continues to do well in school, dreaming of a brighter future.

I was able to arrange a visit to Rachel’s school in Dambwa thanks to our GSGC partner, Agnes, where I could see first-hand the conditions and meet her teachers.

  • The school is overcrowded,often 40-50 students per class
  • School supplies and materials are always in short supply
  • Teachers receive little compensation and often miss class
  • However, positive social messages are posted all around the school
Filed Under: GSGC Trips, Learn, Partners, Tusa Munyandi

Paige in Africa- The Adventure Begins!

March 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Washington DC, a quick stop in Dakar, Senegal and then on to Johannesburg, South Africa for my first stop on this adventure!  17 hours flying time forces you to be creative with your time!

My sister Priscilla and husband Peter were there to pick me up and transport me to Pretoria, where they are currently living.

Pretoria, north of Johannesburg and is where the seat of the executive/central government is located and is about a 30 minute drive from Johannesburg.  As we drove through many lovely tree lined neighborhoods, I noticed the common sight of gates, bars on the windows, alarm systems and guards standing watch, giving the residents a sense of security.  Thank goodness I am not driving here!!!  To shift with your left hand while driving on the left side of the road and trying to figure out where to go all at the same time would be too much for me!  (Oh to think of the damage I could cause!) My first full day included an early morning Nia class (dance class that I take in the States), a visit to a Saturday open market where the locals go to shop, eat and socialize.  I listen to Afrikaans being spoken and cannot understand a word!  To me hearing this language also conjures up memories of another time in South African history when their apartheid  law turned the world against the  Afrikaaners.  As I can see times have changed… and the color and shade of your skin no longer determines your legal status.  Perhaps it is time to leave those memories behind and focus on the here and now allowing myself to see today and a hopeful future.

Back to the present.  In the afternoon, we were joined by Peter’s assistant, Janien and went hiking in a nature reserve, 15 minutes from the house.  We came upon giraffe, Kudu’s, zebra, wildebeest, Guinea fowl along with many species of beautiful birds.  It was awesome to see so many animals so close to home!

We ended the evening with a yummy dinner in a crowded local restaurant eating shrimp and salad dripping with garlic and lime sauce…..a perfect way to end a wonderful day!

 

I came loaded with supplies, thanks to the generosity of many.  Portland Jewish Academy and Faith Lutheran Preschool sent many hand-made learning materials by the students and teachers.

The Minato family sent solar calculators and the Helmsworths sent soccer balls! Thank you! I appreciate all your generosity and so will the teachers and students in Livingstone!

This trip would not be possible without the support and help of my family and friends.  I am so excited to have this opportunity to travel to Pretoria, South Africa, Livingstone, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Hwenge, Zimbabwe and Cape Town, South Africa.  In a couple of days I will leave Pretoria and head up to Livingstone for the next chapter.

Signing off……

Paige

Filed Under: GSGC Trips

Jikeleza Annual Concert- 100% Amazing Attitude!

October 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Watching the young Jikeleza girls, from the impoverished townships, proudly performing their concert was as inspiring as it was deeply heart-warming. My emotional reactions swayed from tears of happiness for the transformed girls to brimming smiles applauding their energy, and talent. These girls were emotionally transported from dejection, low self-esteem, despair and fear from the township environs to confidence, joy and safety of the stage and their fellow performers and support staff. It was a magical night of one unique dance routine after another, the cacophony of colors from their costumes to the stagecraft and professionally choreographed music.

But what stood out most was ATTITUDE!! And I mean this its most positive sense. From the 5 to the 15 year-olds, they were strutting around the stage with unabashed attitude that was palpable even from the back rows of the auditorium. They jumped, they strutted, they confidently held their heads high, stamped their feet hard and thrust forward their chests to tell the admiring audience but mostly themselves that they could do ANYTHING they wanted to if given the chance, a bit of support and allot of love – that’s what Jikeleza has given these blessed young girls.

Thank you Jikeleza!  -Peter Macy

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Listen to Candra and Matt share stories from their safari and visit to GSGC projects

July 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Three friends traveled to Southern Africa in May 2011 for a trip of a lifetime- first a safari in Zimbabwe and Botswana then a visit to the GS Giving Circle projects.  Along the way… they realized their dream of sharing their personal gifts and found that what they learned and received, was profound.

Listen to their stories and perspectives:

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Filed Under: Uncategorized