By now, everyone is probably familiar with the kidnapping of 270 girls in Nigeria by a terrorist organization. To date, these girls have not been returned. They were kidnapped because they dared to want to learn. There were several dozen armed terrorists who came into this town, and set the dormitory of the 16-18 year-old girls on fire. Then they herded the girls into trucks and drove away.
The name of this group, which I refuse to print, means Western Education is a Sin.
These girls are Christians and Muslims, alike. Other schools in the area had been closed because of the concern of this occurring. However, this school had reopened so that the young women could take their final exams and complete their school year. These young women were going to school to follow their dreams.
Instead, they are now being auctioned off at $12 each.
This is an outrage. It is oppression of women at its worst.
So what do we do? I have found one way.
Jessica Sporn, a very talented and generous artist has done a wonderful thing. She has started an on-line auction of donated art to raise money to help bring these girls back. I am one of the participating artists.
The auction starts at 7:00 am Eastern time today and runs through Saturday, May 17, at 3:00 pm Eastern time. You can check it out here.
When something like these happens, we all feel so helpless. We wonder what we, so far away, can possibly do. Well, this is one way. Check out the auction.
If you can’t afford to buy any of the art, then go on Twitter, Instagram and FB and say something. Publicize this auction.
You can find out what else you can do at Girl Rising . There is further information on Facebook.
Here are the blogs and websites of the wonderful artists who have so generously donated their art to this cause.
Jessica Sporn http://jessicasporn.blogspot.com
Linda Kittmer http://lindakittmer.blogspot.ca
Ronda Palazzari http://rondapalazzari.typepad.com
Marjie Kemper http://www.marjiekemper.com
Judy Shea http://thekeytomyart.wordpress.com
Glenda Hogland http://pilgrimsthoughts.blogspot.com
Astrid Maclean http://astridsartisticefforts.blogspot.com
Lisa Pace http://lisapace.com
Jackie Neal http://creatingwithoutcrayons-jackiepneal.com
Claudine Criner http://claudinesartcorner.blogspot.com
France Papillon http://www.france-papillon.com
Kristin Van Valkenburgh http://TwinkleTwinkleLikeAStar.blogspot.com
Marcia Beckett http://marciabeckett.blogspot.com
Ruth Levy http://lerusho.wordpress.com/
Sally Lynn MacDonald http://www.SallyLynnMacDonald.com
Renee Zarate http://renee-boltonhouse.blogspot.com
Natasha May http://natashamay.blogspot.com/
Carmen Whitehead http://www.serendipitystudiobycw.blogspot.com/
Seth Apter http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/
Marybeth Shaw http://mbshaw.blogspot.com/
Amy Ingardia-Walker http://creativelyquirkyathome.blogspot.com/
Kelly Warren http://happyshackdesigns.blogspot.com
Julie Bernier http://juliebernierphotography.zenfolio.com/
Adrienne Hoban http://www.allure-decor.com/
Krista van Tol http://craftylittlepigtails.blogspot.com
Cheryl Grigsby http://cherylspaperartz.blogspot.com
Jill Meyer www.jillmeyer.com
Lisa Flaherty http://mypeaceofpaper.blogspot.com
Kerry C. Mitchell http://kerrycmitchell.com
Amazing blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress
or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there
that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
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Sorry to be so slow. That’s because of the FM. I was totally overwhelmed when I wanted to start my blog. I’d be glad to answer any of your questions. I chose Word Press. I’m really glad I did. There is a community here at WP. People really want to help one another and support one another. Now that I see other blogs, I’m glad I chose WP. I like the atmosphere. I really like how easy WP is to use for the readers. I mean, that’s at least one of the most important things about the blog, the readers. WP has fantastic help and really good forums for help. Go ahead, set up a free blog with WP. Try it. See what you think. You’ve got nothing to lose. The free themes are good. Right now, I have a paid theme, but you certainly can get by with a free one. I did. Let me know if you set up an account. I’d be happy to help you. Follow your dream, go for it!
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Women are repeatedly accused of taking things personally. I cannot see any other honest way of taking them. —Marya Mannes, American writer
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So true, Daniel. I doubt if those girls will ever be found. They were being sold for about $12 each. What a tragedy.
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Take note, I am a nigerian. You started out well till the part you said money will be raised to bring back the girls, how is this possible? You plan to give the money gotten from the aution to the missing girls? Please make this clear to us public. Do no advertise your art by bringing up issues in my country. Thanks. God bless NIGERIA
Ff on twitter @Ayomide_hmg
http://wwww.twitter.com/ayomide_hmg
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The money was raised for a group in Nigeria that helps young women get educations. This was clearly stated on the flyer. We raised nearly $4,000 to help education young women in Nigeria.
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Alright that is good news. I Thank you on their behalf.
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I think the flyer was not well worded and misled many people. I don’t know if those young girls will ever be brought back. But if we can somehow prevent this occurring again, that would be a success.
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