Capping: the inevitable, feared, impending project of fate that lingers over the head of every Marist student. When many people hear capping, they envision sleepless nights, a constant supply of coffee, and exuberant amounts of stress. Take a piece of advice, underclassmen, from senior Emma Christiantelli who is turning her capping project into one that will make a difference.
Emma’s capping project is an on-campus fundraiser that will benefit Taaluma. Taaluma is a non-profit organization that strives to improves the lives of women and children in Western Africa, particuarly Ghana and Togo. Emma’s event, which will be held on December 2nd at 7 P.M. will not only raise awareness about the organization and their efforts, but give Marist students an opportunity to get involved and give back.
Taaluma works to improve the lives of women and children through education, training programs, and overall empowerment. Taaluma provides opportunities for skill building, such as sewing and weaving, that will potentaially make their lives a bit easier. Taaluma then takes the beautiful handmade items that these women and children make and sell them, using the proceeds to create even more empowering opportunities. This is motivation for the women, as they work hard to make beautiful products that help them provide for their families.
Emma’s capping project will function as one of the outlets in which the handmade goods are sold. At the event, guests will have the opportunity to peruse a table of handmade merchandise, including jewelry, headbands, and Christmas ornaments, and much more. The profits made from each purchase will be donated directly to Taaluma, specifically benefiting a boarding school for children of the women, as well as former child slaves. In addition, there will be a letter-writing station at Project Taaluma. Materials will be provided for guests to create thoughtful notes, drawings, and letters that will then be mailed to the Ghanaian children. If guests provide their Marist College mailing address on the letter, the children will respond!
When asked about her capping project, Emma said, “I am so happy to be able to host Project Taaluma on campus. It is such a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the efforts of Taaluma and Feeding the Orphans and to help empower the hardworking women of Ghana. I am very much looking forward to Tuesday night and I hope to put on an event that my peers will enjoy!”
What beter way to start your Christmas shopping? Stop by on December 2nd in SC 3102 to enjoy some snacks, do a little shopping, and make a difference in the life of a child across the globe. ‘Tis the season for giving! Thank you Emma for allowing Marist to be a part of your capping project and give back this holiday season!
Join the Facebook event for more details about Project Taaluma at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1557008964515555
For more information on Taaluma, please visit: www.taaluma.net
For more information on Feeding the Orphans, please visit: www.feedingtheorphans.org
Photo Credit: Emma Christiantelli