Newsletter 3, May 2006

Welcome to GIF's Electronic Newsletter!

In this issue you will find updated information regarding the International Girls Summit taking play this July in St. Paul, MN. You will also meet the girls of our Indonesian team and find information about how to get involved with GIF.

Meet the Indonesia Team

Katie, one of GIF's young woman mentors, has returned from three weeks in Indonesia where she met with the five girls on this international team. Read her reflections and a profile of each of the girls who will be participating in the Summit.

KATIE: "In March, I was fortunate to travel (on a grant from my university) to Jogja, Indonesia, to meet and work with the wonderful team of five girls and two women mentors representing that country at the summit this July. I had an amazing time meeting the girls and their families, visiting and leading English classes in their schools, and working with them on their Education Plank preparation, girls' survey, and team-building activities.

"The girls live in Nitipryan, a Kampong (village or neighborhood) outside Jogja, on the island of Java in Indonesia. The area is tropical with tons of rice fields, fruit trees, palm trees and 95 degree weather. They are part of an organization called Salam. The girl delegates and other great kids from the community get together to work on homework, practice and perform music and plays, and they also write a kid's newspaper together.

"Despite the fact that we did not speak the same language, we were always able to laugh and enjoy each other. In addition to our work, we played Uno, soccer, and music together. They practiced English, and I practiced Indonesian. They taught me about the foods I was eating, and I showed them pictures of America and my family. I learned how easily friendships can be formed when people are interested in one another, no matter how different your homes, languages, or families may be.

"This trip was inspiring and made me so excited for the Summit, because the cultural exchange will be enjoyed by so many more people from such a variety of places. I saw problems, hardships with education, when I was able to spend several days at school with the girls. At our planning retreat, I listened (through a translator) to the patient and focused girl-led discussions about their dreams for education improvement. This trip made me hopeful, because I became friends with a group of girls, a community even, ready and willing to take action in their world."

INDAH, 17, is the oldest girl delegate on the Indonesian team. She enjoys learning math and English. She sees problems with education, including tuition, uniforms, textbooks, poor facility conditions and lack of supplies available in her school. Indah is anxious to learn about the different education conditions of the other teams at the Summit.

PURNA, 14, is the youngest girl delegate on her team. She lives with her parents in a house they helped build with Habitat for Humanity. Purna is excited and nervous to fly to the Summit and see America. At the Summit, she hopes to learn about violence against girls, meet new friends and inform others of issues relating to girls' education in Indonesia.

RATRI, 16, is described by her friends as goofy, athletic and fun. Her mother is a seamstress and her father is a rice and peanut farmer. At the Summit she wants to develop projects to help her school achieve change for the students.

ELLA, 15, is one of seven children. Her mother is a writer and her father teaches drama. Ella also enjoys writing, especially poetry, and reading. Ella is excited to learn about relationships and politics at the Summit. Like other members of her team, she hopes to improve the quality of education in her town.

PIPEN, 17,enjoys reading and drawing comics. She is the drummer in a band with four other girls. Her dream is for every girl to receive an equal education. While at the Summit, Pipen wants to learn ways she can influence improvements in her school.

...From the Summit Leaders

"As the date of the 2006 Summit approaches, the girls at GIF have been working hard coordinating schedules and raising money. Some parts are more fun than others, like designing t-shirts. We want the design to speak to a large demographic and clearly represent GIF's priority: helping young women around the world get the tools they need to be successful. We have some ideas of our own, but we'd love to hear your suggestions! Please send your ideas to gif@girlsforum.org."
- Alice, Girls Summit Leader, Minnesota

"I spent my winter break working to spread the word about GIF. I've been talking with a women's group at my church called 'Women of Pilgrim' who focus on supporting programs that benefit women. I also spoke to my church as a whole and handed out GIF pamphlets to help get more people in my community involved."
- Andrea, Girls Summit Leader, Montana

Get Involved!

The girls of our international teams are getting very excited as they work on developing their action projects, applying for visas, and arranging their flights. Help us make their stay in Minnesota is a productive and pleasant one.

Girls, age 12-18. Help us welcome our international delegates, and have a great volunteer experience—become a Girls Summit Ambassador! Download the Ambassador application form and look forward to a unique summer opportunity.

Honor an important woman in your life! Join us at our Mother's Day Dessert Reception on Sunday, May 14 from 3-5 pm at 1156 Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Please call 651-645-3636 for more information.

We need your help! Click on Donate Now to help support GIF with a tax deductable donation. Or, if you have any of the items on our Wish List, please contact us at gif@girlsforum.org. Thank you for your continued support!

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