Out of Africa, and back again
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“Coming back to Africa, we could settle more deeply into our relationships with the GSGC girls and aunties and with Smokey and Priscilla.” — Greg Bronstein
For the Bronstein family, visiting Africa in 2017 was a profound and connective experience. And it wasn’t the epic safari, it was meeting with GSGC folks in Victoria Falls and members of Girls’ Time club – Emily Bronstein and many of the girls were 13 years old at the time.
Since that trip, Emily has stayed in contact with girls she met – often Skyping from her school bus – and has become a champion fundraiser. At the same time, her parents, Katie and Greg, volunteer countless hours to help GSGC increase its impact. Last month, Emily and Greg returned to the clubs in Zimbabwe, then visited more GSGC-supported clubs in Zambia.
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Please join us for a GSGC donor conference call with the Bronstein family. We will discuss making the journey from emotional touchpoint to meaningful and sustainable involvement, and the impact that has on everyone.
Saturday, May 4
9 am PST / noon EST
605-468-8005 (toll free)
Code: 603003#
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The teenager realized she needed help. She was being pressured for a sexual relationship she didn’t want. Her family dynamics left her without support at home. The stress took its toll. She failed her end-of-term exams. She had thoughts of suicide. She needed to talk to someone trustworthy. She turned to the auntie who heads a GSGC-supported girls club.
The teen had schoolmates who were club members, and she had seen the positive impact the auntie’s mentoring had on them. The girl wanted a better life. To get there, she knew, she needed a kind shoulder to lean on in a community where such troubles are common, and she could share hers without being judged.
To protect the girl’s privacy, GSGC is withholding her name and those of the auntie, club and location.
Smart, sincere and possessing a spark, the teen proved her way into a club where openings are rare. She was persistent, logical and persuasive. She was trying to build a life for herself, not give in to despair. She was exactly the type of girl GSGC wants to serve.
The auntie recognized her potential, even under the circumstances. With support from other aunties and GSGC volunteer psychologist Donna Rasin-Waters, the club’s auntie was able to connect with the girl, and she spent extra time mentoring, supporting and encouraging her.
“She needed someone to listen and to give her comfort,” the auntie said. “Honestly, I was beside myself with worry about her, and then she started to change.”
The girl began to stand taller and talk about her life, saying she believed in herself. During a special presentation to the club, she listened intently as professional women inspired her with their career stories. Buoyed and increasingly confident, she later passed every subject in her final exams — a remarkable accomplishment. And in her gap year, she is learning life skills that will enhance her independence and taking online courses.
“Looking at where she came from, and where she is going now, I am just so excited,” the auntie shared. “Next year, we will be telling how she is in college.”
Never doubt that your donations make a difference. Thank you.
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Working hard to meet the needs of girls club members
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Meaningful conversations about complex topics take time, particularly when there are many questions to answer. So,
Girls’ Time
is now meeting on Saturday, as well as Thursday.
“We wanted more time to delve into important topics,” said
Auntie Procedure
. “There are many layers to conversations about sex, communication, hygiene, HIV/AIDS and how to make good decisions.”
Saturday gatherings have received an enthusiastic response from the girls, and support from school leaders and parents. This support is impressive because girls often have to do household chores or errands on weekends.
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Another sign of increasing demand for girls club activities and simply more clubs:
Auntie Gloria
has so many girls asking to be part of
Believe Clubs
, she now requires an application and essay from each hopeful girl.
All our aunties are having to be more selective. GSGC asks that clubs not exceed 15 members because small clubs have higher success rates, as measured by increased confidence, sharing challenges, and secondary school completion rates. We also have learned that by supporting girls who are capable and have a spark, we create a greater ripple effect.
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When a girl from
Rise N Shine
recently
become pregnant,
Auntie Sfe
turned disappointment and concern into an opportunity. Gathering her members under the club’s thatch roof, Sfe led a discussion about sex, pregnancy, taboos and motherhood – single motherhood in particular. Girls were encouraged to talk about their feelings, ask questions, and seek advice.
It is rare in Southern African countries, particularly in rural areas, for girls to have these kind of open conversations with a trusted mentor.
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GSGC girls club aunties represent the best qualities of mothering; and in many cases, are a girl’s only mother figure.
As we approach Mother’s Day on May 12, we will be highlighting the amazing contributions our GSGC aunties make in the lives of the girls and communities they serve.
Join us on
Facebook
and
Instagram
for stories that celebrate these strong, loving, #CommunityMothers, and share stories and photos of someone who represents a #CommunityMother in your life!
Donations made to our
#CommunityMother campaign
will help fund Auntie gatherings, trainings, support materials, and special requests. We also can notify your favorite mother, if you donate in her honor.
Thank you, and happy Mother’s Day!
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