give: nets, microlending, sierra leone, and nigeria
if there's one thing we're most excited about at shopliquorice, it's the opportunity to give. with world malaria day coming up soon (april 25 - mark your calendars!), we thought we'd showcase some charity initiatives that are focused on empowering regions of Africa. we encourage you to give and spread the word.
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nothing but nets -
according to their website:
"malaria kills more than 1 million kids a year. for just $10 we can buy a net, distribute it to a family and educate them on its use. you can save a family. your friends, school, church, or team can save a village. together we can cover a continent..."
it doesn't get more practical than that! last time we checked their website, over 1.9 MILLION had been purchased. that's a huge contribution to this cause. also, in case you were wondering -
"100% of your donation will go to providing nets for children in Africa, no portion of your donation will be diverted for administrative costs."
we're definitely all for that. give by clicking here!
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kiva.org -
this 'loan cycle' diagram pretty much explains how kiva operates. essentially, 'Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. By choosing a loan on Kiva, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the entrepreneur you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.'
fantastic! microlending is the way forward and we hope you'll take this opportunity to make a substantial impact in the lives of people who need it. learn more here.
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we're shifting the focus from organizations now and turning it to everyday people who have accepted the burden and responsibility of social change:
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the 2008 pledge:
we mentioned boutique mix in our first 'africa' feature here, and we're delighted to find that the lady behind that is also the force behind a brilliant initiative to empower the children of sierra leone by educating their minds. learn more from here blog here, and give/pledge whatever you can (money, school supplies, etc.) to this noble cause.
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bright one educational support fund:
speaking of education, the bright one educational support fund (initiated by a young nigerian lady, mojibola abodunde, pictured above) seeks to achieve the following:
"The Bright One Educational Support Fund is a non profit organisation that exists specifically to benefit the growth and development of exceptional primary level children that are about to begin pursuing a secondary education.
The fund will provide full scholarships and school supplies to selected children for the entire six year period of their secondary school education.
In addition, the fund plans to extend its support to surrounding primary schools in Okemesi Ekiti State and well as primary schools in other states."
fantastic :) learn more about the fund's progress and how to give here.
***we're inspired to do our bit and hope you are, too! as always, if there are any charities/initiatives you're passionate about, please shoot us an e-mail or leave a comment here and we'll be sure to do our best to spread the word with you.