Shamelessly Requesting...

Sanibonani bekunene!

So, we all knew this day was coming. It was just a matter of time. Now that my projects are finally coming together, I’m shamelessly asking and begging you to take out your wallets and donate! And yes, I know that this recession and put us all in a tight spot, but ANY contribution can and will help. There are 2 projects I am working on and BOTH will need all of the help and support it can get!

The first is: BOOKS FOR SWAZILAND! Books for Swaziland is a project designed to establish new libraries or enhance existing school library facilities in rural Swazi communities. Each location will receive roughly 1,000 books, donated by Books for Africa, a US- based organization. Around 45 schools have applied to participate in this year’s project, but ultimately only 30 schools could be selected. My primary school has been chosen! Both my school and community are working hard to build shelves and raise the money needed on their end, to help transport the books to Swaziland. What we need is help raising money to ship the books from America to Africa. There will also be a chance for you to send any library materials (i.e. construction paper, scissors, markers, pens, pencils, paint, crayons, beads, etc.) to the Books for Africa warehouse in America, which will then be included in the cargo ship and given directly to my primary school. So start collecting all those art and craft supplies around the house- unused, collecting dust, and taking up space- and send them to Swaziland where you will make hundreds upon hundreds of children in my community happy. More information on mailing supplies will be posted shortly.

Go To: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=645-090

The second project I’m working on is called Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World). GLOW is a project run by Peace Corps Volunteers throughout the world. It’s targeting girls and young women in rural villages educating, empowering, and offering support and guidance to their lives. Peace Corps Swaziland has never held a Camp GLOW before and with the highest rate of HIV infections in the world, this small African kingdom has never needed this successful international project more.

Over 5 days our leadership and health camp will encourage and inspire gender equality and empowerment at the community level by bringing young Swazi women together to access education, share ideas and develop skills in a safe environment. This is a chance for the girls to not only meet other young women around Swaziland (whom have probably never left their communities before), but to also gain the contacts of various NGOs, learn who they can contact for information and help, and most importantly- pass that information on to other young women back in their communities. My charter club consists of a small but passionate group of young, motivated, and wonderful girls who would love nothing more than to have this once in a lifetime experience.

Go To: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=645-091

This Christmas, give the gift of education. Help start libraries and support the growth of education and gender empowerment for the hope of a brighter future in Swaziland. So get into the generous, tax-deductible, Christmas spirit and send your hard-earned dollar dollar bills our way. Siyabonga! (Thank you!)