2017 Highlights

GSGC
Dec 20, 2017
3 min read

Updated: Jul 29

Remarkable changes are taking place in Southern African communities! Your GSGC volunteerism and gifts have provided many disadvantaged girls with a better life. You’ve also helped to gently lead their communities toward greater economic health, sustainability, and dignity for all.

GSGC’s outstanding partners, or Aunties, collectively mentor hundreds of promising girls each week with a core mantra of I see you; I hear you; I believe in you. And, oh my – that approach works beautifully!

GSGC gained status

Girls (and even some boys) have implored us to expand our clubs to include them. Eleven groups were filled this year, at times with 100% attendance! Sceptical no longer, their schools and parents see that knowledge is power and encourage the girls to join in.

Girls evolved and graduated

Our girls get better grades and avoid pregnancy. They are winning awards and university scholarships. Eight girls from one club alone secured post-secondary education, whereas overall less than 3% of students do so. Many girls became educated leaders in their own communities; a few are now Aunties themselves!

Auntie Summit held

All 11 of our Aunties grew through a workshop in Victoria Falls, sharing experiences and best practices. This invaluable retreat was guided (and primarily funded) by Dr. Donna Rasin-Waters, a GSGC volunteer with extensive trauma counselling expertise.

Aunties recognized

Auntie Fwilane was invited to speak on menstrual hygiene at a United Nations conference. Auntie Agnes won art awards and published a book. Auntie Gloria earned a counselling certificate. Auntie Procedure addressed her area’s schoolgirls at the request of the headmaster. Our respected, passionate partners inform their communities.

Sing, Africa, Sing! hit the right note

Nombasa Maqoko, a talented South African singer/songwriter, volunteered at a 2-day, low-cost music workshop at a GSGC partner venue. Nombasa inspired 21 of our most talented girls to bloom before our eyes.

Club projects soared

The Wayi Wayi club hosted Trash-in Fashion, designing clothes from trash and discards. Zambian national morning news featured their fashion show; outfits won awards in a Livingstone art exhibit. Project Luangwa educated entire communities about menstrual hygiene through plays and other educational forms; this once-taboo issue no longer deters school attendance for many girls!

GSGC helped conserve wildlife

Poverty reduction and education are key to wildlife conservation. GSGC presented our work at Conservation Lab in South Africa, and shared information with other groups.

GSGC supporters stepped up

Young Emily Bronstein raised GSGC funds through her Bat Mitzvah, connected online, and then travelled to Africa to simply hang out with her new friends in girls’ clubs. Dozens more of you volunteer; hundreds collect or send money. You’re all amazing!

GSGC grew

As a respected local presence, we collaborate easily with others. We’ve created a huge ripple effect as each empowered girl lifts her own family and sets an example for younger children. Our scrappy, heavily volunteer group stretches every dollar; the sky’s the limit as we grow in numbers and our annual budgets increase!

In her drug and alcohol-infested community – where AIDS leaves orphans, abuse is rampant, and most teen girls become pregnant – one of our successful girls stated it simply: “I would not be where I am were it not for the GSGC club”.

In your mind, multiply that by 1,000! Then, pat yourself on the back for what you’ve achieved.

January marks the start of a new school year in Africa, and we’re incredibly excited about the future. But for now, Happy Holidays! I can’t thank you enough for all that you do!