A Word From Stories Unites Us Founder

As we approach the end of another cycle and anticipate the start of a new one, I reflect on the incredible impact we’ve achieved together for children’s lives over the years. The gratitude for your unwavering support is etched in the bright eyes of the children we’ve reached. No statistics can match the profound significance of these connections.

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our mission, reaching more communities across South Africa and offering an extraordinary opportunity for your child to join us on this inspiring journey.

On Reconciliation Day, December 16, 2024, we kick off our Grand Tour of the Story Bus 2025-26. This important day, rooted in the legacy of Nelson Mandela, symbolizes unity and reconciliation—a spirit we carry forward as we traverse South Africa’s diverse landscapes and communities.

The Story Bus, a vessel of hope and unity, will bring stories to life and embody the spirit of Ubuntu: "I am because we are." Through arts and photography, we aim to amplify children’s voices, enabling them to share their experiences and dreams—a transformative act of healing and connection.

The stories and artworks we gather will be showcased on our website’s library platform as greeting cards—messages from South African children to the world. We invite you or your child to engage with us by sending letters, artwork, or video messages, fostering a unique dialogue across borders.

By sponsoring this tour, you enable children to participate in our workshops, where creativity and self-expression bloom. Together, we are building a library of children’s voices—a tapestry of hope, diversity, and unity.

Why The Flower Children?

Flowers are a recurring motif in the stories we gather—a symbol of growth, connection, and resilience. Much like flowers that thrive in varied climates, children from different cultures and environments find ways to flourish and connect. Our upcoming storybook, The Flower Children, will compile these messages, using flowers as a universal language to bridge divides and strike friendships across the globe.

The Bigger Picture

Through Stories Unites Us workshops and events, we bring together bright young minds to challenge deeply held beliefs, fostering curiosity and understanding. This year’s expedition focuses on sustainability through diversity.

By supporting this tour, you are helping us bring children from underserved communities into these experiences. Your contribution directly sponsors a child’s participation, providing them with an opportunity to learn, express, and connect.

This journey allows us to connect communities in person, carrying stories from place to place and weaving a stronger social fabric. Together, we can amplify children’s voices and pave the way for a brighter, united future.

Your donations make this journey possible. Sponsor the Story Bus Tour and help us continue sharing stories that shape the future of our children.

Thank you for being part of this meaningful mission,

Vladia

Can you donate $100 to expand our program? Perhaps $40 is more comfortable for you?

With just $40 USD (R727), you can sponsor one child's participation in a transformative workshop. $1200 USD (R21,800) supports a full workshop group of 30 students; covering art supplies, and educational materials. Monthly donations are much appreciated as well!

All donors can donate through this GoFundMe. For US donors who want a tax deduction please make your donation through PayPal for US Citizens to be processed by our fiscal sponsor, The Institute for Education, Research, and Scholarships. Make a once-off donation or monthly contribution, no amount is too small to make a difference.

More about your Donations to Stories Unites Us

We raised $5,600 through GoFundMe from 2022 through October 2024, and over $20,000 this year via direct donations. 100% of our expenses are necessary for us to provide our programs. We don’t make any expenditures that are not required for us to be able to operate our organization.

We are hoping to raise $6,000 (R111,100) before mid-December for the Story Bus Tour kickoff. Here is a breakdown of costs for visiting five communities with our Story Bus:

About Vladia, Stories Unites Us Founder

Vladia, the driving force behind Stories Unites Us, is an award-winning photographer with an extensive background in children’s development and education over the past two decades. Growing up in Czechoslovakia, she would later immerse herself in the cultures of East African tribes by living amongst them, as well as guiding expeditions through Southern Africa. Inspired by her deep connection to nature, Vladia founded SUU to provide children worldwide with safe spaces in which to express themselves.

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Photos: Vladia Bajerovska, Natalie Wra

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Please donate to our cause through our fiscal sponsor IFERS PayPal to receive a US Tax Deduction.

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