Camp Shanita - let's continue the miracle

 

 

 

As you might know, I’m very passionate about giving back. I think the biggest reward of my success is being able to give back and really make a difference in the lives of people in need. It's important to me to set an example with this for my two sons.

You know Lior, my dear friend and truly one of the most wonderful souls I’ve ever met. He founded Shanita, an emerging organisation fighting for children’s human rights. We just said to each other the other day that we never expected to make such a huge impact when we started our project together. Because of our work and Lior’s tremendous dedication, children are going to school now. And now we need your help.

 

 

 

 

On these photos you see children in Uganda on their first day of school. Just wearing their school uniforms made such an impact on the children. They were so proud, so happy and it gave them a spark and confidence like never before. They finally felt seen, they felt important and it gave them hope for their future. Don’t forget that this is the first generation of children ever going to school in their village. It’s a major breakthrough for their community. Lior shot portraits of the children in their uniforms on their first day at school. He decided to print them and to bring them to their parents. To let them know that the kids were doing ok as the school is far away from the village. He also took photos of the parents holding their children’s portraits. For me it’s so touching to see their emotions. Their pride. Their happiness.

 

 

 

 

As these children are the first generation to go to school, the team of Shanita dedicated time to talk to family members and answered all of their questions and concerns. Our local staff comes from the same communities which we support, and it is thanks to them that our partnership with the parents is fruitful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also used the opportunity to learn more about the environment from which the child comes in order to recommend if it is safe for him or her to go back home for the holiday break, which will be a three week break starting at April 16th. Unfortunately, we learned that more than half of the children in the program have no place to return to for the break due to a number of devastating reasons including; child labor practices, domestic violence, child marriage, or simply homes that cannot provide and feed them. Therefore, we have decided to step up and create Camp Shanita - A three week camp where the most vulnerable children of the group will have a place to stay, sleep, eat, play, learn and enjoy their time off in a safe and loving environment.

 

 

 

 

The camp will be led by Shanita’s local team, together with additional local volunteers and other team members; boy’s matron, girl’s matron, consultant, a kitchen team , a guard and a driver & a medical team.

 

The camp will be from April 16th to May7th. You can help us make this happen. Please make a donation, small or big, to help us realize this first of its kind holiday camp. It would mean the world to me if you would help us continue the miracle these children are experiencing. If you donate, make sure you leave your email address . As a thank you, we would like to send you a very special digital artwork after the camp is finished. We will also update you with a recap of the camp as Lior is in Uganda with the children and will be present during the camp. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

Love,

 

Lior & Marcel

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