Gymnastics Mats for Lesedi

This summer Kelly and I had the tremendous privilege to visit Zimbabwe. It was a gift I have no words for and in the interest of sharing the generosity, I'm calling for support to give back. While there, we visited Lesedi School. (I'll add information from their website below), but in my own words, it was incredibly moving to hear the story of the school starting from what looked to me like a concrete picnic table into a primary school, secondary school, and community health clinic.

When the principal, Mrs. Mutori, heard that we were aerialists, she proudly shared with us how much the kids love to flip. Unfortunately, they have to limit the children on what they can do because they don't have the proper mats for safety. Hearing that I knew that I was a part of an incredibly special community that feels the joy and growth that comes from understanding the strength and artistry of your own body through acrobatics; I've yet to meet someone in the circus community who hasn't felt like their life has changed as a result of it.

And this friends, is why I'm calling on you! Please help me get these kids some proper gymnastics mats so they can be a part of our community!

About Lesedi School from their website:

Lesedi Primary School provides a unique opportunity for children from the poor, rural communities in this area to receive a quality education. Before Lesedi, the only option was a government school many kilometres away. Children frequently didn't attend or were excluded due to non-payment of school fees. The economic crisis in Zimbabwe means that government schools are severely under-resourced, with shortages of teachers, textbooks and equipment. The only option for a quality education is to enroll at a private school but these are out of reach financially for the families in the communities around Lesedi.

The children at Lesedi are flourishing under the wonderful leadership of our headteacher, Mrs Mutori. The school regularly hosts groups of international tourists, and this exposure has not only increased the confidence of the children but also continues to expand their horizons. They are now daring to dream, with the knowledge that sponsorship will ensure they can remain in school.