Today’s youth are very aware of the world’s really big problems, from climate change to gun violence to gender inequality. They have constructive ideas for addressing these challenges and they are making sure that their voices are heard. After all, they have a lot longer time left on this earth than many of the decision makers.
Meet Sofia. She is on the brink of becoming a teenager, right about the same age many girls around the world drop out of school due to poverty and long standing cultural traditions that value boys more than girls and emphasize early marriage. Sofia’s sister, Raquel, was involved with African Girls Can when we were starting up a few years ago by helping design our logo. Little did we know that the whole time young Sofia was watching and absorbing information about girls in rural Uganda not being able to afford secondary school. Kids her age are entirely capable of understanding how access to education can change someone’s life.
Sofia decided that she wanted to DO something!
Sofia’s solution: the “Dream” necklace.
Designed and made entirely by Sofia, this fun accessory has glow in the dark crystals and a floating star inside a tiny glass jar. Each one includes a hand stamped charm with the word “dream.” When Alecia visited Uganda in October, 2017, she brought 5 of these necklaces with her to give to the African Girls Can students. They were amazed and delighted that someone would make something so special just for them and they wrote Sofia letters to thank her. Look at our Family Album (St. Katherine Visit) to see a photo of the Ugandan school girls wearing their “Dream” necklaces.
“We live in different countries, but we are very similar. Indeed, we are all going to school and aiming at our dreams… You have shown us that we girls can help each other.” Janet
“I enjoy wearing the dream light a lot…it always reminds me that I should work harder in order for my future to be as colorful as the dream light.” Rebecca
Excited and motivated by the response she received from the Ugandan girls, and knowing that girls right here in the US also have hopes, dreams and goals for the future, Sofia decided to participate in her school’s International Night on January 25, 2018. She attends Summit Middle School in Boulder, Colorado. Sofia created a Uganda themed table, including a video educating people about the culture. She also sold “Dream” necklaces to her classmates and teachers that evening, raising $310 for African Girls Can. That about equals boarding school tuition for one whole year for one girl! African Girls Can is very grateful for Sofia’s dedication and big heart!
There are many benefits to a project like this for the young person who organizes it:
- Empathy and connection. Sofia knows that she is impacting the lives of real people in a concrete way. Seeing their pictures and knowing their names reinforces that African Girls Can students are just girls like her, but they have had less opportunities in life.
- Practical skills such as budgeting and time management. Sofia attends a very rigorous Middle School and she has other interests such as soccer and theater. She had to figure out how to schedule in time to make the product. She also had to set the right price in order to raise funds.
- Communication. On International Night, Sofia explained to teachers, parents and kids about Girls’ Education in general, and the challenges for girls in rural Uganda specifically. She had to articulate in her own words why this project is meaningful to her.
- Pride and self-worth. Sofia knows that she is capable of effecting change. This early effort will be a foundation for many more do-good projects to come.
Hear what Sofia and her mom have to say about the value of the “Dream” necklace project:
“I love making the dream necklaces because it makes me very happy to see that with a little effort I can help someone’s life be better. It feels like helping Nancy, Rebecca, Patricia, Winnie and Janet follow their dream has become part of my own dream.” Sofia
“Sofia’s words came spontaneously straight from her heart. This project has become huge in Sofia’s life and education. It has been particularly encouraging to find how small actions of service, trying to help others, can be a simple but very fulfilling way to make an impact in the world.” Brisila, Sofia’s mom
Note: Students’ photos were used with permission from their families.
