Sandra Blogs Again

Another incredible day! In the morning, we worked with MML to facilitate a symposium with educational delegates from many African countries to discuss ways to improve life and education for African girls. In attendance were many very important governmental officials from all regions of Africa. I presented an overview of the Pearson Foundation activities in Africa and the group was highly appreciative as well as inquisitive of the PF efforts. Together, we targeted several areas that are in dire need of improvement for the young African girl and tomorrow we will facilitate as the group develops a target plan of action to address the situation in the coming year. It was very difficult for me to hear the delegates discuss the horrific situations that many African girls experience.

As I have a daughter the age of the girls referenced in the discussion, it was truly more than I could bear. The nature of the tragedies ranged from rape to incest to early marriage for money to female genitalia mutilation to sexual slavery. Again, more than I can bear to think about. The African delegates are so very brave. They work in this situation everyday and they endeavor to persevere! It was quite rewarding for me because the delegates were very eager for suggestions and valued the opportunity to trade professional opinions with one another. I am looking forward to a highly productive day tomorrow as the delegates develop an action plan. Tomorrow, we are also going to discuss ways to strengthen the Digital Arts program in Africa.

The morning session was productive, positive and uplifting BUT the afternoon session was off the charts, baby! The delegates from the symposium joined the girls in the Digital Arts program and the girls taught the delegates Premiere. AMAZING. The girls have been working with the software for only three days and they are teaching highly educated adults. They loved the experience – they being the adults and the girls. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you who loved it more! It was a beauty to watch. The girls beamed as they taught the delegates – they were so proud of their newly acquired skills. They relished the attention they received from the delegates and they spoke if Digital Arts as if they were PF employees! It was beyond wonderful. I can tell the girls are getting a bit nervous about tomorrow as they will present their completed films to the delegates.

In all probability, tomorrow is the last day we will ever see these girls. You can be sure I will not be wearing eye makeup tomorrow and I will have several Kleenex tucked discretely in my pocket. I wonder if the girls have any idea what an impact they’ve had on me……………..

Nite,
Sandra