What a brilliant platform GSGC creates for young boys and girls in the local community. By creating safe spaces to express and build themselves, boys and girls can grow into anything they aspire to be. Every day, mentors help them realize their potential and strength from within. They are breaking barriers and conquering all odds by changing the typical narrative and becoming the greatest version of themselves they can be. They are heard, seen, and believed!!
I have spent a lot of time living in different African countries. One country in particular had a huge number of NGO's present but all that I noticed was that people were driving around in fancy vehicles but hardly any actual 'work' was being done on the ground. It seemed to me that only certain/few people benefited but not the 'greater' community. I would see projects end just as quickly as they appeared. It seemed that (locally) people waited around for the next project to come along but that there wasn't a 'spark' for them to continue on their own with the tools and knowledge at hand.
That observation was put to rest when I was introduced to Global Sojourns Giving Circle, it was such a breath of fresh air! Finally a model that was driven by dynamic individuals on the ground, people who are passionate about helping their communities at large and - who are getting things done. True collaboration amongst Mentors, there is a sincere desire to share what works and what does not. Now this is something that I can get behind! Honest, transparent, hard working, passionate people who are being the change they want to see in the world.
Global Sojourns Giving Circle has developed an incredible model that is not only sustainable but it works! Huge kudos to the Global Sojourns Giving Circle family which I am proud to be a (small) part of.
"I see you. I heard you. I believe in you."
This is the mantra of GSGC and it weaves its way into everything this organization does. Working to empower, resource and support local changemakers to serve as Mentors to youth within their own communities, means the impact is truly and locally relevant. It is a bottom-up approach, rooted in listening and understanding local contexts, needs and opportunities to strengthen communities in Southern Africa.
Having worked within the conservation and community development sector in the region for over 15 years, I've come into contact with many projects and organizations doing great work. GSGC's model looks deeper than most. Having had the pleasure to get to know and see GSGC's Mentors and the clubs they run, the long-term view and personal approach is clear to see as a powerful way to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities to live a life of dignity and prosperity in these areas.
From the ground up, through partnerships with dedicated local women and men passionate about their communities, GSGC has succeeded in strengthening the educational achievements of its youth, and generating positive attitudes towards gender diversity. As a result, girls and boys are realizing their full potential. The GSGC model is replicable, sustainable and scalable.
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I recently joined the team of Global Sojourns Giving Circle to support the empowerment of girls in Africa. After 30 years of working with youth and families in the United States, I feel that the mentor model is demonstrating short-term and long-term impact for girls to be the first in their family to break the cycle of poverty. This is possible because local women are dedicated to supporting local girls. Also, in the last few years, men are operating boys' clubs that focus on supporting girls in their communities.