Check out our 2022 map! It showcases our rising numbers and the vibrant activities, deep values and inspiring goals of GSGC-sponsored clubs! No wonder they are magnets for young people in Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The map reflects each club's focus for the year. While common threads connect them, each Mentor's plan varies so that each club continues to be relevant and appropriate to each community.

These numbers, these goals, are why local Mentors matter. And they are why the GSGC model is sustainable. Thank you for making GSGC what it is.

GSGC–sponsored clubs – girls empowerment clubs – certainly know how to celebrate International Women's Day! Each club marks the annual commemoration with determination, dedication and joy.

And on THIS international Women's Day, some clubs pushed beyond girl empowerment to move society to gender equality. See for yourself.

Watch Project Luangwa's Mentor Fwilane Janery and girls in her community speak about what's important to them.

Nine Fundamentals: A Foolproof GSGC Formula

The success of all GSGC–sponsored clubs requires, in part, that their communities understand and accept the goals Mentors are aiming for and the approach they are taking to achieve them. Community Buy-in is Fundamental One of GSGC's Foolproof Formula.

Sisonke Boys Club Mentors Nyika Muyambo and Prosper Siphambili developed a multifaceted Community Buy-in strategy in their village outside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - and it worked.

Elder by elder, parent by parent, conversation by conversation, the community came around to see the wisdom and long-range advantages of their arguments and efforts. And recently the Sisonke Team was honored when scores from the village came to show their support and approval.

What the Filmmakers Say

“We are still excitedly speaking about our incredibly inspiring and moving time we had in Vic Falls with you and everyone we met, capturing the incredible work that GSGC has been responsible for over the years, and the impactful change it has had on so many communities.”

“We feel extremely passionate about the GSGC model and have opened conversations around it with corporate clients that we are working with in Harare, in the hopes that more circles can be started in other communities.”

Jess Pelsner, Harare, Zimbabwe, member of the Obscura film crew that shot a short film about GSGC last month in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Date: April 10

 

Time: 3pm

Our first in-person gathering since the pandemic put physical space between us! Come learn more about the growing organization and what’s happening in clubs you support in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Madagascar. We plan to have something special to show you.

Date: Sept. 10 

Auction of works created by artists in the Pacific Northwest and Southern Africa. Come celebrate the talents of friends and Mentors as we help ensure financial support for the future.

Mentor Pestrida Muleya, founder of Isepe Girls Club, Mwandi, Zambia, is making things happen.

Pestrida moved to a rural area west of Livingstone after working with GSGC-sponsored Believe Club in the city. Struck by the need for it, she started a club to serve local girls in a community where education wasn’t valued and opportunities were scarce.

Fast forward three years: girls are now graduating from high school and one, at least, has gone to college. They are learning life skills to earn money for school supplies and other needed items, and they are contributing to their families’ well-being. Pestrida walked four miles roundtrip to check on a girl when schools were shuttered by the pandemic, and she often has to climb the stairs of a water tower to get connected to other GSGC-sponsored Mentors by mobile phone. 

But a huge endeavor was a garden to generate food and income during the pandemic. The village head man gave her land after she approached him with the garden idea — which now is a reality that teaches girls new skills and responsibilities. And the money they earn from selling its harvests buys needed school supplies and sanitary products to stay in class all month.

GSGC recently talked with Pestrida about her work. See what she had to say in the Pestrida’s Passion.

Missed the March Donor Conference Call? Listen Now 

Nearly 25 GSGC supporters gathered around their computers and phones last month to hear from Mentor Gloria, Mentor Racheal and two girls in the Believe Club in Livingstone, Zambia. They shared updates and what it is like being a member of the club.

Also, we did a sneak preview of the GSGC short film, "Mentorship: A Pathway Out of Poverty," featuring Mentor Procedure from Girls Time Club in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Hear about the filming and get a bit of insight from behind the scenes.

Inspiration

“The Changemaker” is a poem that speaks directly to the deep impact GSGC Mentors have on young people, each other and their communities, especially since the pandemic. Written by Rise N’ Shine Trust Mentor Shorai Matambanadzo, watch and hear his co-Mentor Sfe Sebata recite this powerful work in the rural area where they live outside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 

We are a 501(c)(3) registered organization, so your donation could be tax-deductible. You also can donate stock; read alternatives to donating cash to GSGC. 

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