Creative Expressions 2021 is a contest with a big prize. We all are invited to vote. The contestant whose entry receives the most overall votes within their age group wins an education package, which includes school fees, supplies and whatever else is needed. Winners in each category also receive packages to contribute to their schooling.

They are wonderfully empowering prizes for youth in Southern Africa!

This is where you come in. From June 26 through July 11, you can vote for as many entries as you’d like — or vote more than once to help your favorite entry win. Here’s how your donation can work:

Share this unique, innovative fundraising drive with your friends and family and encourage them to vote, too.

Your donations will help GSGC set more girls and boys, and their communities, on a new course of possibilities. Let’s get started!!!

Remember that new book smell? It now permeates a community where GSGC-sponsored Mentors organized a first-ever library.

Opened in late April, the new library in Dete, near Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, was the brainchild of Thembelihle Dhlamini, a Mentor with Tikobane Girls Club, and Ndlelende Ncube, a Mentor with Tikobane Boys Club. They came up with the idea while considering efforts that would improve club members’ English skills and school grades and expand their knowledge of the world.

Three GSGC clubs celebrated 2021's global Menstrual Hygiene Day.

“Yosefe Girls Club celebrated with a number of activities, including poetry and drama, which (focused on) a number of myths that erode confidence among menstruating girls. Boys participated in the activities as way of teaching them to start supporting girls, as this natural and healthy part of life is normal. ~ Mentor Prisca Sakala, Yosefe Girls Club, Mfuwe, Zambia

In addition to celebrating the day, Project Luangwa has built a special toilet for girls at Malimba School. "As part of the celebration, we handed over its building to the school.” ~ Mentor Fwilane Janery, Project Luangwa, Mfuwe, Zambia

“It was so encouraging to see and hear girls speak out about menstrual hygiene, the challenges they face, and what they think should be done to end period poverty. Tikobane Boys Club stood in solidarity.” ~ Mentor Thembelihle Dhlamini, Tikobane Girls Club, Dete, Zimbabwe

When Zambian President Edgar Lungu addressed his nation on the eve of Africa Freedom Day in late May, he celebrated not only the liberation of the continent from colonial rule, but the rich arts, culture and heritage that are building Africa’s future and economy.

“Among the country’s treasurers are ceremonies, language, rock paintings and natural wonders that draw tourists from around the world,” he said.

“And the use of artistic and cultural expressions in nation building is still relevant today,” the president added, citing older artists whose works commemorate the struggle for freedom. “The other great artists like.... Agness Yombwe and many others deserve mention today.”

We at GSGC couldn’t agree more. Agness earned her Art Teacher’s Diploma at Evelyn Hone College in Lusaka in 1989, then taught art at the secondary level in Zambia and Botswana. She has served as a trustee of the Women’s History Museum and a board member of the National Arts Council of Zambia. A multi-media artist and author of two books, she is married to painter Lawrence Yombwe and owns a gallery and studio at their home. Agness and her family mentor GSGC-sponsored girls and boys at WayiWayi Creatives Village in Livingstone.

Congratulations, Agness.!

Read President Lungu’s entire address to learn more.