The Power of Creative Expressions
- GSGC
- Aug 25, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Our Mentors in Southern Africa say the benefits of the Creative Expressions contest are plentiful and obvious. We are gratified, and we want supporters to know how much this event is valued by participants, Mentors, parents and communities at large.
Here’s what Mentors had to say about Creative Expressions:
“We Mentors want to extend our gratitude for this incredible and life-changing experience, especially on behalf of our girls and boys. Creative Expressions contest has played a huge role in pushing our girls and boys to realize the potential they have. It takes such opportunities for one’s life to be transformed.
Mostly, we are pleased to let you know that you continue touching and changing lives. We are honored to have received the educational vouchers. We are grateful for your support.
As much as we worked tirelessly, GSGC deserves the credit for offering the platform where we and our children could be able to showcase the best we are. Words can never be enough to express how grateful we are. May this continue.” ~ Mentor Mercy Sibanda, Girls Time, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
“I cannot hold back the joy and excitement. Many girls and boys have been coming to our house to hear what transpired as we all have been waiting for the competition feedback. Our hearts are full. The contest boosts the confidence of the children and gives them a sense of responsibility.” ~ Mentor Ndlelende Ncube, Tikobane Trust, Dete, Zimbabwe
“Who would have ever noticed such brilliant talents that our kids have been hiding? It has been a great honor and privilege to nurture these beautiful ideas coming from such young people.” ~ Mentor Prosper Siphambili, Sisonke Boys Club, Monde, Zimbabwe
“It pushes girls to think outside the box and step out of their comfort zones. It also gives them a platform to showcase what they have learned in building their self-esteem.” ~ Mentor Chate Kaunda, Yosefe and Matula Clubs, Mfuwe, Zambia
“The girls are excited to show their talent, and the parents are always happy to see how the girls are progressing.” ~ Mentor Racheal Musonda, Believe Club, Livingstone, Zambia
Winners and Parents Share Excitement
“We visited Simon’s family last Saturday, and it was a very emotional time. They were so excited, happy, thrilled and jumped up and down. The parents said that they were proud of their son and encouraged him to continue working hard.” ~ Mentor Kanga Yombwe, WayiWayi Creative Villages, Livingstone, Zambia
“The father and mother were so happy to hear Precious won. There was so much joy and uncontrollable laughter at their home when I visited them. We slaughtered a chicken to celebrate, and we had lunch together. I didn’t want to decide for Precious how to use the money, so I sat down with her and her parents, and we agreed that she pay school fees for Term 3, buy a bag and some books. The win comes as a motivator to Precious and a relief to her parents.” ~ Mentor Pestrida Muleya, Isepe Girls Club, Mwandi, Zambia
“May this club go ahead to train and teach other girls together with our daughter, Precious, in order for them to have more skills in the future.” ~ Mr. and Mrs. Kashitu, Mwandi, Zambia
“We are very delighted with the performance of our daughter, Mapalo. She has given us hope of her bright future after winning the contest. We are proud of her performance because we now know she is going to be an inspirational figure to other children and girls in our community. We also want to express our gratitude to the organizers of the contest for giving our child an opportunity to freely showcase her talent and share her views to the world. Thank you.” ~ Mr. and Mrs. Ulaya, Mfuwe, Zambia
“I am happy that my daughter Prisca’s performance was outstanding and earned her an award. She was meticulous and attentive to detail as if she knew what the outcome of the contest was going to be. May the people responsible for this initiative continue doing so, as it helps the girls to be more creative and resourceful. This will in turn help them cultivate a sense of independence in many areas of their lives, even when faced with challenging situations or circumstance.” ~ Mother of Prisca Banda, Mfuwe, Zambia
The Impact
By Mentor Agness Buya Yombwe, WayiWayi Creative Villages, Livingstone, Zambia
The contest impacted the children in the following ways:
Motivated them to work extra hard as they realized they would be competing with children from other clubs; pushed them to bring out their very best
Helped them improve in areas where they had weaknesses
Made them feel good and motivated as they realized there are more people out there who believe in them
Helped them to discover themselves as the competition was not limited to type or art or material
Boosted their confidence
The contest impacted the Mentors in the following ways:
Helped to identify the children’s talents, strengths and weaknesses
Allowed us to research certain projects the children were working on
Connected us with other people who were more knowledgeable in certain areas
Allowed us to purchase a variety of equipment and materials the children can use after the competition such as computer, microphone, stretchers, paints
We grew by discovering more and interesting ways of mentoring children
Strengthened the method we use of mentoring children, which is art
And here’s what a couple club members had to say:
“I am grateful for the opportunity. I’m thankful for the support. We all WON because we worked together, and we celebrate together as club members.” ~ Joyce, Girls Time, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
“Really, this has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I still cannot believe my voice got to be heard all over the globe.” ~ Sibonokuhle, Girls Time, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
