Twoonies from Toubabs

Hey all, 

Beautiful winter day here along The Smiling Coast...hard to fathom (having been absent for over 10 weeks now) that a winter storm has delayed my mother's arrival for today...but fear not, she will arrive merely a day late, and the weekend will be saved for resting and re-cooping energy...on the beach.

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But enough with underhanded slap to the face of those in the midst of blustery winter weather...the below story should warm your hearts...a little.

VALENTINE CARDS IN SUPPORT OF THE LOVE OF EDUCATION IN WEST AFRICA

Jakob Conrad is nine years old and already thinking about ways that he can “make a difference”. 

When he told his mom that going with her to The Gambia on his February break would be “like a dream come true”, she was convinced that he was ready for this trip of a lifetime. Knowing that he would come away from this experience with an enriched perspective on life and a lifetime of new friends, they talked about how he could give something in return. Jakob decided that he would raise money for the Nova Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA) by establishing a fundraising organization of his own. He wanted 100% of the proceeds from his fundraising to support the NSGA, and education in The Gambia in particular.

For 25 years, the NSGA has allowed West Africans and Canadians partner and build healthy communities in The Gambia. Through education and health promotion initiatives, NSGA staff and volunteers have become a major force in youth education and community development in West Africa. 

Jakob named his organization Twoonies from Toubabs.  In The Gambia, foreigners are pleasantly referred to as “Toubabs”. When Jakob heard this, he thought that he might be able to make things and sell them for a “Twoonie”, coining the clever and catchy phrase. His first project is a Valentine Card sale. He decided that since he will arrive in The Gambia on Valentine’s Day, this was the perfect first project for his new organization. He crafted 4 designs, and selected 4 photographs that were taken by SMU student Oliver Woods in The Gambia in December 2010. 

2000 cards have been printed, with the printing donated by Minuteman Press Halifax. The cards are selling for $2 each or 8 for $10. These can be purchased by contacting the NSGA office. He has set a goal of $2000.00. Please help him meet and surpass this target! You can learn more information and see the cards at: www.wix.com/toubabs/twoonies

To talk to Jakob or his mom about this initiative, please e-mail: exec.director@novascotiagambia.ca

*To learn more about the NSGA, go to: http://www.novascotiagambia.ca/

Just one example of how Canadians and West Africans are partnering for social change. And, hey...if you need to tell someone you love them on February 14th, Jakob's got you covered. 

So visit Jakob's site...and partner with the NSGA...for social change.

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Until Next Time...Don't Stop Believin,

Matty