For most of her adult life, Poki Musa made a living performing female genital mutilation on the girls in her village. That all changed when she discovered Crossroads’ partner TGNP, a Tanzanian organization that fights for women’s rights. Here’s how her life was transformed.
Crossroads International is pleased to launch The Randy Pepper Legacy Fund to commemorate former Board member, Crossroader and friend Randy Pepper. As we mark the 5th Anniversary of Randy’s death, we are proud to continue his legacy in volunteer cooperation.
In Tanzania, 7.9 million women have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and 3 million more girls are at risk annually. FGM is still a strong part of the culture and traditions even though this practice has been prohibited in the country since 1998.
“Imagine your 14 year old daughter married to a 50 year old man and she is the third or fourth wife in the house. This is the reality of 2 girls out of 5 in Tanzania,” said Rebeca Gyumi speaking to a sold-out crowd of more than 240 people at Crossroads International’s eight annual Day of the Girl breakfast on October 10, 2019.
Four-time Crossroader and honorary patron Lawrence Hill recalled meeting midwife Aminata catching babies while he was on placement in Mali in 1989. This chance encounter later would inspire and inform his best selling work Book of Negroes and its protagonist Aminata.
While we cannot all run like the Kenyan runner Philemon Rono who won this year Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 20th for the 3rd time, we can all feel great. From the Crossroads staff to the supporters who answered to the call to run or walk for women’s rights, to all their supporters we can all be proud!
Calgarians showed up in force to learn more about Crossroads International and to hear acclaimed author and four-time Crossroader Lawrence Hill. Hill urged Calgarians to join us, take action and get involved as volunteers and supporters to help create the kind of change they want to see in the world.
In Ghana, together with Crossroads’ partner WiLDAF, we are raising awareness in local communities. As a 1st time Crossroader, the most important thing I’ve noticed is the excitement of the people of Akyemansa, Kwaebibrim and Ada East. — By Crossroader Nana Pabi
Since volunteering with Crossroads International in the 1980s, Sarah Bradshaw found herself drawn back to Crossroads’ inner circle of supporters. After finishing school, Sarah knew she wanted to go to Africa. She knew the international experience would be invaluable.
In 1980, Simon Muendo Ngumbi, a young teacher living in Kenya, started a one of a kind experience in Canada with the support of his Boy Scout leader who was involved with Crossroads International exchange program… Written by 3 Crossroaders, this story shows the power of human connections to build bridges and foster change for One World.
