The Creative Expressions competition — one of our most important money-raisers — starts today! We invite you to cast your vote!

The competition challenges young people in clubs we all support in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar to offer a glimpse into their lives using the arts as a window. Young people have written, danced, sung, drawn or crafted their hopes, passions and concerns for us to see — giving us a deeper understanding of why we do the work we do. 

The talents and heartfelt efforts of girls and boys are on display for you to enjoy.

In this short video, a few contestants give you a peek at how much enthusiasm this competition generates and how much the contest means to club members.

Empowering Prizes

The financial challenges of attending school in Southern Africa can be daunting — and so the Creative Expressions prizes help keep young people learning and on their way to a life of greater opportunity.

The contestant whose entry receives the most overall votes within their age group wins an educational package that includes school fees, supplies, a uniform or whatever is needed! Winners in each of five categories receive smaller awards that contribute to their schooling.

Educational support is incredibly empowering for youths in Southern Africa’s economically struggling communities.

Putting the Fun in Fundraising

This is where you come in! From Saturday, June 25, through Sunday, July 31, 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 will work:

• Vote once for one entry: $35 USD
• Vote twice for one entry or once for two different entries: $50 USD
• Vote five times as you wish: $120 USD
• Vote 10 times as you wish: $200 USD
• Love them all: $500 USD

Please vote generously — and share this unique, innovative fundraising drive with your friends and family, encouraging them to vote generously, too. Thank you!

“Eradicate the cycle of poverty” — Insightful Shares from a Traveler’s Visit

Our friend Daron Deonier from The Difference, a women’s clothing store in Vancouver, Washington, recently visited some GSGC-sponsored clubs in Southern Africa. She engaged in deep conversations with many Mentors and shared a bit of it online. Check out her Instagram share from a talk with Mentor Prosper Siphambili of Sisonke Boys Club.

Hear More in the Conference Call

Join Board member Heidi Johnson Bixby and colleague Daron to hear what they learned on their recent trip to a few GSGC-sponsored clubs. They’ll highlight activities with the youth and talks with Mentors and share photos of their safari in Zimbabwe. 

Coffee or sundowners are welcome -- time-zone appropriate!

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Join Heidi (red pants) and Daron (front, right) to hear the latest club news

Postcard from Ratidzai: India’s Heat Wave

After hours of research, paperwork and interviews over the laptop at Girls Time club in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Ratidzai earned a half-scholarship to Lovely Professional University in North India. She’s the first in her family to attend college. Lately, Rati, 18, has endured record temperatures in Punjab state. She dropped us a line to let us know how she’s doing.

Girls Time alumna Ratidzai (center) with Mentors Mercy Sibanda (left) and Procedure Chikosi (right).

Phagwara, Punjab, India — I am through with my exams and have begun summer classes.

With temperatures ranging between 40° C to 49°C (102°F to 120°F), North lndia is one of the hottest non-desert regions in the world. The heat waves are so unbearable.

Having been used to Zimbabwe's average temperatures ranging between 18°C to 32°C (65°F-90°F) in summer, my first summer in lndia has been a baptism of fire. Attending classes and studying under such harsh conditions has been quite some challenge. Classes take place during the hottest time of the day, but I try my best to stay switched on. A water bottle, a hat and an umbrella are essentials. Dull colours, jeans and sneakers are no longer an option because they absorb more heat.

We’re so proud of Ratidzai — she has pursued her educational dream despite the miles and temperatures! Her heat work-around? Sleep during the day and study in the cool of night!

Inspiration

Recent Global Sojourns travelers have an art session with Rise N Shine Mentors Sfe Sebata and Shorai Matabanadzo outside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, learning the value of creative expression, just as club girls and boys do.

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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