We're The Seed, Africa and we're raising £4,200 to help a girl in Swaziland fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor!
by Georgina-Kate Adams in Emsworth
So far in this campaign we've been crowdfunding for Lelo's third year at boarding school. But for her to complete high school, there's two more years of fees to raise after that!
All funds raised in excess of our initial target will help secure Lelo's future at boarding school and move her one step closer towards becoming a doctor! Thank you!
"It’s a pleasure to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause. I find the simplicity of the idea absolute genius: educate one girl and achieve change in the entire community."
– Stephen Ennis, The Seed crowdfunding supporter 2012/2013
The Seed started on Crowdfunder in November 2012 when more than 130 people came together, united by a belief that if you educate a girl you plant a seed to change a community, a nation and every future generation. It starts with one girl and one scholarship.
Over five weeks, this incredible philanthropic flashmob crowdfunded a scholarship to send a bright girl from Swaziland to boarding school. (See the campaign here)
Fifteen-year-old Lelo started boarding school shortly after and was instantly transformed. She learned to use a computer, left her country for the first time (on school trips), and her confidence has bloomed. Her dream is to become a doctor.
For more on the story so far, check out the website: theseedafrica.com
After the success of the initial campaign, Lelo (now 17) has excelled and is on course to become the first girl in her family to go to university.
But unless we raise the funds to keep her at boarding school next year, the dream ends here!
Boarding school is expensive, but if we are to create leaders, scholars and doctors in the next generation, we must educate to this higher level.
Hardworking Lelo has been awarded a partial bursary by her school. Now we need to crowdfund the rest of the fees, stationary costs and her weekly bus fare.
(Breakdown available on request.)
"The Seed is doing amazing things! Well done and congratulations on achieving so much." – Carly Aslett, The Seed crowdfunding supporter 2012
"I am all for the education of women and have long preferred personal involvement to just pumping money into the charity system. You can’t beat the personal connection!" – Deborah Stallard, The Seed crowdfunding supporter 2012/13
"It is a great story, but a story in its first chapter. The foundations are very strong and have engaged a wide-ranging audience. The Seed is well placed to move onwards and upwards and make a real difference. There is so much more to come!" – Graham Legg, The Seed crowdfunding supporter 2012/13 and official The Seed ambassador
The Seed has received a generous selection of press, viewable on the website. Of note are profiles by The NextWoman, Beauty Without Borders and a WomenLEAD ‘Inspirational woman leader’ spotlight. A chapter was also written about The Seed in a new book, published in Spain, called All Roads Lead to Africa.
In the initial campaign, we offered branded t-shirts, bags and prints. This time Lelo wants to invest in her own success by making the rewards herself!
Pledge £20 and Lelo will send you a hand-decorated and signed card.
Pledge £30 and Lelo will write you a personal letter (one page A4).
Pledge £50 and Lelo will create a painting especially for you (A4).
Pledge £80 and Lelo will send you a personal letter and a painting.
Pledge £120 and Lelo will send you a letter, painting and write you a poem.
Pledge £150 and Lelo will send you a letter, painting, poem & a personal video message.
Worldwide shipping available. Estimated delivery: Spring 2015
Georgina-Kate Adams is a 27-year-old writer, communications consultant and One Young World ambassador from Emsworth, UK. She is passionate about sub-Saharan Africa, child health and the power of the girl, recently returning to the UK after working in the fair trade and social enterprise sector in Swaziland.
Georgie met Lelo during her first trip to Swaziland, as a volunteer in 2005. Seeing Lelo’s thirst for learning, Georgie has been sponsoring her education since. She started The Seed, Africa after Lelo – who came top of her class every year at government primary school – won a life-changing place at a private boarding school.
There is an extensive FAQs section on The Seed website. Please e-mail any other questions to [email protected] and Georgina-Kate will be happy to answer them.
This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.