2024 Annual Donor Update
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense gratitude for your unwavering support and the incredible progress we've made together. This year has been particularly special as it marked a significant milestone for our community and the girls whose lives you are changing.
Connecting with Mozambique: Our First Group Trip
We embarked on our first group trip to Mozambique, where donors like you had the extraordinary opportunity to connect face-to-face with the girls you've been supporting. It was an unforgettable experience that brought our mission to life in the most tangible way. Seeing the smiles on the girls' faces as they met the people who believe in their future was a powerful reminder of the impact we are making together.
During our visit, we witnessed firsthand the land Kurandza has secured for the new learning center, situated right at the heart of the village. This center will become a beacon of hope and opportunity, and we are thrilled to share that construction will soon begin, thanks to your generosity.
Introducing Our New Direct Sponsorship Model
Inspired by the connections made during our trip, we have decided to launch a direct sponsorship model. This new initiative will allow sponsors to connect with a specific girl and follow her journey as she grows and learns. It's an exciting step forward in fostering deeper relationships between our donors and the girls whose lives they are transforming.
Meet Quel!
Quel, a 9-year-old 4th grader, loves learning, especially Portuguese. Thanks to your support, she is able to eagerly dive into new books this year, fueling her love for reading. Your support has not only provided Quel with essential educational resources but has also given her the opportunity to enjoy her childhood. Beyond the classroom, she loves dancing and singing, fostering her creativity and joy. Quel aspires to become a teacher in the future, a goal that seems well within reach thanks to the solid foundation you have helped build for her.
Quel can’t wait to connect with her NEW sponsor and hopes they visit her in Mozambique one day! You can learn more about our new Direct Sponsorship Model here.
Empowering Families Through Financial Literacy
This year, we also initiated a financial literacy program for the parents and guardians of the girls we support. By teaching them how to budget and save for the future, we are helping these families take an active role in their children's education. Our goal is to empower them to eventually take over their children's schooling, ensuring a sustainable future for the entire community.
Celebrating Our Graduates: Felista's Success
We are incredibly proud of Felista, our first high school graduate and now a thriving college student. She is currently in her second year of studying Agricultural Development and Economics and is already giving back to the community.
Felista regularly visits the Kurandza office to share her knowledge with the younger girls, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their education with passion. Now in her second year of college, Felista is excelling in her studies, particularly enjoying her favorite subject, History of Economic Thought. She loves spending time with friends, studying, and frequently visiting the library to learn more.
Felista's adorable daughter, Yasmin, who is now 4 years old, is doing quite well. Felista’s dedication to both her education and her role as a mother showcases her unwavering commitment to giving herself and Yasmin the best life possible. Felista is truly an inspiration, demonstrating that motherhood and aspirations can go hand in hand.
Mentorship: Building a Community of Leaders
Pictured above, is Tânia and Alda mentoring the younger students during a literacy session.
Our mentorship program continues to grow stronger, with Alda and Tânia, two Kurandza graduates, taking on leadership roles as fellows. They mentor our high school mentors, who in turn guide and support the younger girls in our program. This chain of mentorship is fostering a community of leaders who are committed to lifting each other up and creating lasting change. We could not be more proud of Tânia and Alda!
Looking Ahead: "In Two Hands" Documentary
We are also excited to announce the upcoming release of our short documentary, "In Two Hands," later this year. This film captures the essence of our work and the incredible resilience of the girls and families we serve. We can't wait to share it with you and the world. Imagine witnessing a life transformed in just five minutes. That’s what our upcoming short documentary, "In Two Hands," will deliver—a powerful glimpse into the journey of Felista and the unwavering support of her grandmother. Along with other impact stories of the students in our program.
Here’s a sneak peek photo of the documentary. Stay tuned!
Thank you
None of this would be possible without your support. Your generosity is not just an investment in education; it is an investment in the future of an entire community. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
Share a photo of your card or a screenshot of the blog post on your social media, and let your community know about the positive impact you are helping to create. Don't forget to tag us @lovekurandza so we can celebrate together!
P.S. The #IStandForGirls Campaign is here! Click the button below to learn more about this year’s campaign.