WFWP GIRLS TAKE INITIATIVE TO RAISE MONEY FOR SCHOOLS OF AFRICA
Editor’s Note: ‘Girls working together to bring everlasting peace to their community and nation through the logic of love and kindness’ - with this founding mission, WFWP Girls was started in New Jersey more than two years ago (read more here). And indeed, this impressive group of young ladies, aged 6 to 14, has shown their commitment to serving others time and again, most recently by taking charge of running their own fundraiser for the Schools of Africa.
On Saturday, August 3rd 2019, the WFWP Girls held their second fundraiser for one of the organization’s flagship programs – the Schools of Africa. However, this time around they were in charge of running the program. For the first time, they took over the program from the adults and came up with a very inspiring and entertaining program.
The event was held at the Elizabeth Family Church Hall in Elizabeth, NJ. The girls gained valuable experience and leadership skills as they were tasked with managing various aspects of the program; some were assigned to man the registration table and be responsible to welcome guests, while others spoke during the event by sharing information about the beneficiary schools and even led the program as emcees.
Wearing African clothing and accessories, Eliana Rapada and Jaya Alvarez displayed poise and confidence as they alternately hosted the event.
Mrs. Christine Rapada, the chairwoman of WFWP Elizabeth and one of the initiators of WFWP Girls, welcomed everyone and expressed her joy for the girls who took the responsibility enthusiastically and for thinking about helping others, especially children their age.
Mrs. Irene Pannasah, an African member of WFWP Elizabeth, read the mission and vision of WFWP, and the mission statement of WFWP Girls was read by young member Jasmine Ualat.
Afterwards, each of the nine schools was presented to the attendees. Each WFWP Girls member was assigned a school to introduce. They read the history and current status of each school so the donors would have some idea of how these schools are serving the children in their localities.
Additional contributions made all the difference to the overall program, from lively entertainment to delicious food. Mrs. Aimee Mallonga, a singer and songwriter originally from Togo, offered a beautiful African song, and the WFWP Girls presented a dance to the tune of “Waka Waka”.
After a toast for peace led by Mrs. Jaye Alvarez, a local WFWP member, dinner was served with a rich variety of African and American dishes donated by event attendees. More entertainment ensued while everyone was socializing and checking out all the vendors.
Different vendors, most of whom were selling products that promote a healthy lifestyle, came to support the cause. They were charged $20 for the table and a percentage of their sales was also offered to the fundraiser.
Another source of support came with the raffle drawing; there was great excitement in the air as people waited to hear their number called and become the lucky winners of donated items such as perfumes, jewelry, household goods and health products.
The goal of the event was to raise $500 and it was surpassed with a net profit of $610. We are so thankful for everyone who came and donated for this project. Most especially we are very proud of what our young girls have accomplished today. Through supporting the Schools of Africa, these girls could begin to recognize the needs of others outside their immediate environment and experience the fulfillment of positively impacting someone’s life.
You can support the goals of the WFWP Girls and the Schools of Africa by donating through their online campaign on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donate/517749862306038/. The deadline to give donations is on August 17th. We are hoping to receive an additional $500 through online donations.
After this event, an election of officers for WFWP Girls was scheduled and more activities were planned for the coming months. Stay tuned for more exciting things to come with the WFWP Girls!
