Summer Gathering…

September 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

What if…..

What if you invited 50 goodhearted people to a GSGC Summer Gathering and Benefit?

What if your wonderful friends and family volunteered to help make this event possible?

What if you had a compelling message and the opportunity to educate and inform these amazing people about the Circles’ work?

What if you had the good fortune of holding this Gathering in a garden setting with great weather in the beautiful Pacific Northwest?

Yes! This all happened! On July 15th a diverse group of people from all over the country celebrated the work of GSGC. We embraced making new friends. We enjoyed good conversation, delicious food and a slide show on GSGC’s African projects. How special to be a part of this convergence of so many caring people who attended this wonderful event and whose work and generous donations make it possible for GSGC to continue helping African girls help themselves.

Filed Under: Learn, Partners, Who We Are

Member Travel Spotlight

May 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

by Catherine “Kit” & George Greer

As we drove toward Livingstone, our cab driver chatted about our destination (the Zig Zag Inn) and commented that he was pleased when American travelers stepped off the typical tourist track in Zambia. He was sure it would only enhance our experience. How right he was.

The Zig Zag Inn, with Mercy and the rest of its welcoming staff, its charming garden and  flower-draped rooms, was a perfect home base for our visits to Tusa Munyandi and Ray of Hope. We especially enjoyed our visits with Ernest and Arysius at Tusa Munyandi. What incredibly hope-filled and gracious men they are. They spent more than an hour with us, showed us the site of the preschool, and walked us around the neighborhood.  They impressed us with their optimism. We came away sure that few organizations anywhere do so much with so little.

We also spent several hours with Agnes Yombwe, and we are delighted that she will be the Giving Circle’s representative in Livingstone. She will be a very perceptive voice for us, and one who will bring a broad perspective to GSGC.

Later in Cape Town we had the opportunity to see joyful Jikeleza in action, and to meet its charismatic founder, Edmund. Watching tiny girls dance vigorously, and slurp their snacks with equal vigor was a rewarding way to spend an afternoon. Seeing teen girls of all shapes and sizes throw themselves into the dancing was especially impressive.  Edmund and his staff have helped these young women develop a self confidence that many would envy. No wonder the program is so highly regarded, both within and outside the township.

We were incredibly humbled by watching our dollars work so hard. The leaders of these programs and the children with whom they work are genuinely inspirational. Our donation to the Giving Circle is one of the most meaningful donations we make, and we are honored to be part of the group.

Filed Under: GSGC Trips, Jekeleza, Past Projects, Tusa Munyandi, Who We Are

Partners Making A Difference: Meet Agnes Buya Yombwe

May 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

GSGC would like you to meet Agnes Buya Yombwe, our local representative and advisor in Livingstone, Zambia. Agnes is a prolific and very successful experimental artist, who has won many awards both at home and abroad.   Agnes, along with her husband Lawrence, also a renowned artist, runs the Wayi Wayi Art Studio & Gallery, where she teaches art classes.

GSGC is so fortunate to have this dynamic and energetic woman working with us. As our liaison, she will enhance our direct and frequent communications with   our local partners, helping us navigate through local issues and cultural nuances as we strengthen our local connections.

While working with our partners, her perspective and problem solving skills will be invaluable!  As well, Agnes will be a great role model for the young women that we help support through these organizations. She is hard working, very competent and talented. Her self-assurance and poise will inspire any young woman who is working for a better future.

 

Filed Under: Learn, Partners, Who We Are

Career Workshops setting goals for the future!

February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I was privileged to attend one of the educational workshops we support for girls from the townships outside of Cape Town last week.

The ten senior girls (grade 10-12) in the Jikeleza (http://www.jikelezaprojects.co.za/) dance program gathered at a guesthouse for a Career Workshop. Trained counselor, Heather Adriaanse, led the girls through exercises that focused on time management, goal setting, and subject tracking in school. She helped them see that graduating from high school (matriculating) and continuing onto higher education is a real possibility for them.

With the majority of children living in the townships not matriculating, and with drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS rampant, it is a core goal of Jikeleza to help these girls finish school, train for a profession and break from the cycle of poverty.

With hard work on their part, support from Jikeleza, and workshops such as these, what was once viewed as beyond their reach is now a very real possibility in these girls’ lives.

Best,

Priscilla

Filed Under: Jekeleza, Learn, Partners, Who We Are