2018 Auntie Summit Gets New Name and New Focus

May 31-June 2 · Wayi Wayi Art Studio · Livingstone, Zambia

“We might start today—but we’ll change the world definitely.” Gloria Mubita, Believe Club, Zambia

Global Sojourns Giving Circle is growing and maturing with new energy, deeper connections, and increased confidence among aunties, concluded attendees of the recent annual Auntie Summit, renamed Indaba, a Zulu word meaning “to come together.”

Over two and a half days, Indaba participants spoke honestly, supported one another, brainstormed ideas for increasing the impact and reach of Girls Clubs, and vowed to stay connected throughout the year. And to our great delight, younger aunties spoke up, confidently adding their experiences and opinions to the conversation.

The Indaba reinforced that we are many bound in our commitment to strengthening girls and communities, and forged an increased sense of shared responsibility and accountability to both the Giving Circle community and to working together to achieve GSGC goals.

“The Indaba did not only look at empowering girls—but it empowered me. Everywhere I stand I want to help and be that positive change in a girl’s life” Liliana Mushiba Matakala, Believe Club, Zambia

“l got to learn and share and spend time with people who understand and are driven by the same passion as me. It was rejuvenating and encouraging to do more knowing l am not alone.” Procedure Mhlanga, Girls Time, Zimbabwe

“l find that this is the one place l can be myself without feeling judged for being me—as l feel embraced,” Sefelepelo (Sfe) Sebata, Rise & Shine, Zimbabwe

“It’s not just an organization, GSGC is a family.” Gloria Mubita, Believe Club, Zambia

Indaba Highlights:

Priscilla’s story: For almost every Auntie, this Indaba provided a chance to hear how GSGC Founder, Priscilla Plummer, has been working in Africa to advance opportunities for girls and women for nearly 30 years. Aunties expressed both appreciation and awe for Priscilla’s personal dedication and hands-on approach. They marveled at her living for three years in a rural, poverty stricken, war torn village in Mozambique, and found inspiration in her unwavering commitment to move communities beyond subsistence living. Auntie Gloria is planning to use Priscilla’s story to inspire and empower her girls to take risks, believe in people’s kindness, and do what they love.

“Why I continue to do what I do with GSGC?”: This work is hard, heartbreaking, wondrous and rewarding. Not surprisingly, everyone’s motivations were deeply personal and spoke to breaking the cycles of deep poverty and abuse and creating a better world. One reason given, that beautifully represents what many shared was from Smokey Dube, GSGC’s Program Director, “For my daughter and the future I wish her to see. For my mother and the life she never had.”

Girls Ready for Our World Art Project: Using collage, drawing, writing, whatever inspired—each  participant created their vision of the future they see for the girls in the GSGC clubs. Here are examples of what we came up with (double click on any photo to see larger images) :

Resource Needs: Aunties identified resources and trainings they know will help their club members, everything from easier access to information and story books to boost girls’ English skills, to counselling training and workshops on computer literacy, grant writing and availability, time management, photography and innovative thinking.

Fundraising: Small groups brainstormed then shared ideas for increasing GSGC fundraising; prioritized ideas include:

• a GSGC Girls’ Club magazine providing an opportunity to publish girls’ poetry, writings, stories, Auntie profiles and stories, and the GSGC mission.

• a visitor give-away similar to a brochure version of the magazine that could be templated and customized to each club.

• Aunties working to establish greater relationships with local businesses to provide career internships and support money-raising efforts.

Special Thanks!

The 2018 Indaba helped to move GSGC forward: strengthening our community, creating new paths to increase our impact, and inspiring and encouraging all who attended. None of this would have been possible without donor support and the generous contributions of several key people. So we end with a huge thank to:

• everyone who donated funds to support the 2018 GSGC Indaba, with special recognition of the Bronstein Family

• Heather Patrick for leading our strategic planning, developing the agenda, and facilitating the Indaba

• Donna Rasin-Waters, PhD, who returned for her second Auntie gathering, bringing her knowledge of GSGC, the Aunties, and her counselling expertise

• Erin West, our newest board member, for connecting with the Aunties and providing insights and support to all

• Smokey Dube for helping with strategic planning, setting up small group meetings, and managing multiple and varied details

• Wendy Burger for managing Indaba communications and logistics

• Agness Yombe Buya and the team at Wayi Wayi for providing such a wonderful setting and fabulous food

• Lynne Mendelsohn and the team at ZigZag for your hospitality

• and last but never least, Todd Connor of Yellow Plum Design, for creating our perfect Indaba logo