Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child

For the last decade, Applewood Seed Co. has proudly supported Denver-based AfricAid in providing robust, locally-led mentorship initiatives that cultivate confidence, improve academic and health outcomes, and promote socially-responsible leadership skills. The programs they support are run by their Arusha-based sister organization, GLAMI (Girls Livelihood and Mentorship Initiative), an organization led by two remarkable Tanzanian women, and whose core mentoring programs are run by university-educated Tanzanian women.

In the more than 55 years that Applewood Seed Co. has been in business, there has been a lot of change in Tanzania. It is a place where life can be difficult, especially for young girls who too often grow up being told – and thus, believing – that their role is as wife and mother. Thanks to AfricAid and GLAMI, we’ve seen what life can be like for the girls who are able to participate in these proven mentorship programs that bridge the gap, teaching them their worth and their potential – and thus, giving them the skills and tools to go on to become teachers, lawyers, nurses, business entrepreneurs, and so much more.

Girls have found confidence to pursue her dreams through the Kisa Project, a two-year leadership course that prepares girls in their last two years of secondary school to attend university and create positive social change in their communities.

“I have learned that getting my voice heard is important. I have grown to be a resilient person and more solution oriented,” said Charity, a Kisa Project participant, in this AfricAid blog post. Thanks to the mentoring she received, she realized her potential as an entrepreneur, and then pursued a wide range of ventures to help pay for her school expenses. She made and sold snacks, cultural bracelets, rugs, sandals, and decorative doormats. She even forayed into poultry farming – a business she’s grown from five to 20 chickens!

“Confident, independent, Tanzanian women are making a difference in their community and around the world by becoming role models and supporting the next generation,” said Gene Milstein, President of Applewood Seed Co. “The mentoring programs that AfricAid supports inspires girls to become leaders in their communities, and in the world. We believe as global citizens and as one family, it is imperative to support education and raise the standard of living around the world. We are excited and very supportive of this initiative and of AfricAid’s continued development of so many young women.”

Applewood Seed Co. and Gene Milstein, along with his wife, Dee Milstein, are devoted supporters of the mission and vision of AfricAid. Gene and Dee were recognized as the 2017 Art & Soul honorees due to their commitment to AfricAid over their many years of philanthropic giving.

In the last decade, 10,000 girls have been able to participate in mentorship programs that are helping them succeed in school, and in life. Applewood Seed Co. is a proud sponsor of the continued efforts at AfricAid and look forward to continuing their partnership together. Applewood Seed is also celebrating International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2020, observed by the United Nations, to bring awareness to this charitable cause.

Learn more about AfricAid’s work and the mentoring programs they support at AfricAid.org. While you’re there, learn how you can sponsor one girl’s participation in the Kisa Project, giving her the chance to learn skills that can prepare her for a lifetime of success.