A Stronger Mentor Network

“The Mentor network really helps to keep everyone hopeful, focused and doing the most. A steady and continually supportive GSGC has kept me steady and focused. GSGC did not just drop everything at the challenge posed by the virus, but kept on pushing and standing on the vision and supporting its partners, as the world is so uncertain now.” ~ Mentor Procedure Chikosi, Girls’ Time Club, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

“Because the Giving Circle didn’t shut down, it gave us Mentors, or me as a Mentor, the opportunity to continue to do what I love to do — to meet up with these boys and share my knowledge. Just that privilege, that the Giving Circle did not say we’re closing and will probably resume afterwards, just that for me really worked well.

“If you look at the online meetings we Mentors had, they’ve been really beneficial. Sometimes we have a meeting just to check on each other. It’s really something to be grateful for.” ~ Mentor Kangwa Yombwe, Wayi Wayi Arts Enrichment, Livingstone, Zambia

Raising Parents’ Awareness

“One of the biggest differences was reaching out to the girls at home. In the school-based model, most of the girls’ parents weren’t involved or concerned with what their did in school. But because we were in their space and we’d leave activities, some that required (a parent’s) help, they are more involved in their girls’ lives. A lot of parents said they didn’t know what the girls were learning in girls club, but now they get it. They said they appreciate its impact, appreciate what we do.” ~ Mentor Kalinda Zimba, Yosefe Girls Club, Mfuwe, Zambia

Love in Action

“Young people have come to points of giving up. Some have suicidal thoughts. But the availability of love and counsel from Mentors has kept many going. GSGC and its partners have supported girls and boys, thereby supporting families and communities with information, sanitary wear, food stuffs and safe spaces where they are given emotional support.” ~ Mentor Procedure Chikosi, Girls’ Time Club, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

“The Giving Circle has made it possible to show love to these boys and girls at the highest level. Love is preached, but love is more practical. It’s shown. When we talk about food packages made possible through the Giving Circle, when we talk about school fees that helped these girls and boys, the Giving Circle providing help with knowledge, a space to learn a skill and counseling — that’s love. The girls and boys feel it, and that’s why they keep coming back.” ~ Mentor Kangwa Yombwe, Wayi Wayi Arts Enrichment, Livingstone, Zambia

Learning Continues

“Our presence has made parents and the community know the importance of educating a girl. One parent approached me and testified to the importance of education. She said if a girl child gets educated, she tends to help the family. She also tends to help siblings get educated as well. And she helps provide for the basic needs of the home. They now know the importance of education because of us.” ~  Mentor Prisca Sakala, Yosefe Girls Club, Mfuwe, Zambia

“One girl even wrote her Grade 9 exams. The school is expecting her to pass because she’s one of the brightest girls in school…. Other girls, we gave them assessments now and then, and they did great. We hope that translates into school exams.” ~ Mentor Kalinda Zimba, Yosefe Girls Club, Mfuwe, Zambia

On the Right Track

“A lot of places have been shut down, and boys couldn’t even go out and play in a normal way. I think they appreciated that somehow, we kept what we do alive and open. We kept the mentoring sessions going, so for them, it was something they could always turn to.” ~ Mentor Kangwa Yombwe, Wayi Wayi Arts Enrichment, Livingstone, Zambia

“One thing we did was constantly talk about sexual reproductive health rights, the need for girls to value their bodies more during the lock down. The girls were home not only with their fellow pupils, but with men who have lost employment and start to take notice of these young girls. We know men sometimes come with a little money and coerce the girls, and we were very worried.” ~ Mentor Kalinda Zimba, Yosefe Girls Club, Mfuwe, Zambia

Thank you, again

As we enter another year together, one that will, no doubt, hold difficult challenges, we know it also will hold reason for appreciation. Our work to support Mentors who guide girls and boys reminds us each day just how much we value community. Thank you for being part of the GSGC community.