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.
