Pen pals, new friends and sweet reunions delighted. Sleepover camps and field trips excited. Confidence raised. Confidants found. Exams passed. Alumnae in college, and an auntie earned a Master's Degree. Clubs added in an effort to meet growing demand, and n ew aunties and mentors joined our band. Volunteers gave countless hours. Partners gathered to create the future. A b oy’s club and girls club met together and debated gender equality -- an ongoing conversation. Community buy-in increased. International Day of the Girl celebrated. I AM AN AFRICAN GIRL creative contest succeeded -- beyond our hopes. English improved. Art created. More girls reached. Tough conversations had. Unfailing support given. Self-esteem built. A few tears and lots of laughter along the way.

T otal clubs: 20 | Youth served: 380+ | a 27% increase in youth served over 2018

By all measures -- impact, deepening relationships, working by our values -- 2019 was a banner year.

Global Sojourns Giving Circle is causing an ever increasing ripple effect in Southern Africa. And with your support, we will continue to increase our impact in 2020. Thank you for helping us grow. 

“Eleven years after the Giving Circle launched, we’re not only still standing, but continuing to learn and grow and have ever greater impact. That is sustainability.”

Priscilla Plummer, founder, Global Sojourns Giving Circle

Global Sojourns Giving Circle’s deep grassroots model has matured and is in demand. In 2020, one goal is to share it.

“Our model has been refined and energized by the dynamic team of Aunties and Mentors and is being embraced by their communities,” said Priscilla. “Others have noticed our success in Southern Africa, where community, family and economic needs are plentiful, and they want to learn our philosophy and practices. What we’re becoming known for is doing the deep implementation.”

Our vision for 2020 is focused on connections, relationships and sustainable growth. Highlights include: strengthening capacity-building, enabling our partners to go out and train others; supporting joint boys and girls club activities and discussions to nurture gender equality; enhancing Auntie and Mentor support; and strengthening and growing our donor community.

We encourage our girls and boys club members to dream big and aim high. With your help, we will lead by example.

Learn more about GSGC's vision for the new year, and be inspired to connect more deeply.

As you know from our newsletters, autumn is a busy fundraising time for GSGC. We had the International Day of the Girl fundraiser, annual renewals and Giving Tuesday. But we would be remiss if we didn't send a nudge about end of year donations. If you are still contemplating last minute 2019 donations, we hope you will consider GSGC. Thank you -- and thank you again!

And remember, if you hold shares of appreciated stock, donating shares of the stock to GSGC can be a smart tax-planning move. You get a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock at the time of the donation. With a charitable gift of appreciated securities held long-term, the donation you make and the deduction you get are greater than if you were to sell the shares and donate the cash proceeds instead. When you donate shares, you avoid paying the capital gains tax. Contact GSGC for details at info@gsgivingcircle.org.

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