RPCV Phil Lilienthal (Ethiopia) holds gala for his Global Camps Africa
Phil is an uber competent, accomplished, magnetic human being with an intense clear vision of making this world a better…
In the news —
Phil Lilienthal’s (Ethiopia 1964-66) Global Camps Africa will be holding its annual Sizanani Gala on Sunday April 20 at The International Spy Museum in Washington DC from 6-10 pm. This year’s gala honoree is Dr. Anthony Fauci. Also, on hand will be 2022 Honoree MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, who will introduce Dr. Fauci.
For those of you not familiar with Global Camps Africa, here’s the back story. After the Peace Corps, Phil and his late wife Lynn more than met the Peace Corps’ Goal Three of Bringing the Peace Corps Home. They managed his family’s famed Camp Winnebago in Maine, where they prioritized the recruitment of underprivileged and international students.
Then in 2003, they decided to something more visionary, and launched Global Camps Africa, a non-profit organization providing thousands of South African children from the townships surrounding Johannesburg with a summer camp experience that includes AIDS education and life skills training.
For more than 20 years, Global Camps Africa’s Camp Sizanani program has empowered thousands of orphans and vulnerable youth, equipping them with crucial knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, boosting their sense of agency, educating them on general health and wellness practices, raising their awareness of the negative impacts of gender-based discrimination and violence, and helping them to develop essential life skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity — all contributing to a more promising outlook for their future.
Phil Lilienthal (Ethiopia 1964-66)
Sizanani is Zulu and means “to help one another”— and it captures the spirit of Global Camps Africa and its flagship overnight camp, “Camp Sizanani,” near Soweto. At this year’s Gala, participants will be celebrating the more than 10,000 orphans and vulnerable children this special organization has already empowered. At the same time, Global Camps will be raising the funds necessary to provide life-skills training, health education, academic tutoring, financial literacy/entrepreneurship programming, and relationship-building opportunities for even more young people through its camps and year-round youth clubs.
The organization is truly a legacy of their Peace Corps experience. Perhaps not surprising, Ethiopia’s first Peace Corps Director, Harris Wofford, served on GCA’s Advisory Board for many years.
If you are interested in RSVPing to purchase tickets or are moved to donate visit http://globalcampsafrica.betterworld.org/events/2024-gala.
Phil is an uber competent, accomplished, magnetic human being with an intense clear vision of making this world a better place one person at a time over decades – with the dedication to consistently follow through and bring his vision to fruition.
The tens of thousands of young people (and adults) whose lives and spirit he has uplifted and positively influenced from his camp in Ethiopia in the Peace Corps. to his family’s camp in Maine, to his Global Camps Africa in South Africa is more than remarkable. I have been honored to be on his gala committee and have spoken to many individuals whose lives have been inspired and changed for the better by Phil and his late wife Lynn and Global Camps Africa. BTW – it you want to attend the gala benefit – get your tickets asap since it sells out quickly. With much appreciation, Geri