Donate to Camp G2LOW today!

Camp G²LOW (Girls and Guys Leading Our World) is an already well-established national camp happening annually in 22 Peace Corps countries around the world. Burkina Faso became the 23^rd country to host Camp G²LOW in August 2011, starting the first edition of Camp G²LOW at the regional level in the cities of Kaya and Boromo. Our goal is to add two more regions each year until it reaches the national level with a two week long camp: one week of boys and one week of girls. This year, in 2012, we hope to expand Camp G²LOW to include not only Kaya and Boromo, but also Léo and Fada as well. That way the camp will touch four different regions of the country.

The camp trains 6^eme and 5^eme (6^th and 7^th grade) boys and girls and focuses on three main themes: healthy living practices, leadership development, and the promotion of gender equality. Some of our sessions during 2011 included:

• Men as partners/developing equality
• Leadership
• Hygiene and sanitation
• Effects of alcohol and cigarette consumption
• Healthy relationships
• Effective communication skills
• Self-esteem
• Reproductive and sexual education
• HIV/AIDS
• Family planning
• Making the right decisions
• Planning for the future
• What is violence?
• Career panel with Burkinabe businessmen and women

In 2011, the Peace Corps Burkina Faso team of volunteers and staff put forth a lot of effort to reassure the community participation and sustainability of the camp. Villages were requested to choose 4 girls and 4 boys to attend the camp based on their school performance and character. They also helped to choose a host country national (HCN) to work with each Peace Corps volunteer (PCV) and to help be a counselor during the camp after completion of a comprehensive training. Communities also helped pay for student transport, housing, and materials.

In order for Camp G²LOW to take place again in 2012, in addition to the 25% community contribution by the villages involved, Burkina Faso PCVs as well as Burkina Faso HCNs must raise over $44,000.  This is where your generosity can help!  With your help and donations, we will be able to achieve our goal.  Any donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated.  We are hoping to raise around $24,000 through the help of our family and friends through the Peace Corps Partnership Program.  If you are interested in making a 100% tax-deductible donation and would like more information on how to donate, please visit our Camp G²LOW page.

Two weeks in four different cities. 60 middle school aged students a week.  Giving students a week to just be kids. Giving students a week to learn more about their bodies and how to make good decisions. Developing tomorrow’s leaders. Won’t you consider donating to the future of Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in the world, by helping to educate the youth?