I wanted to share this bit of news with you all as I’m a huge fan of and believer in the Passport Party Project (PPP), and I’m honored to come on board as an Advisory Board Member for Phase 2 of the project. Since its inception, PPP founder, Tracey Friley, was named 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year after gifting 100 girls with their first ever passports through the project.
And now she’s created a second phase to the project which means more passports in the hands of young girls.
This project is particularly dear to me. I took my first trip abroad before my first birthday and for decades after that, I traveled far and wide on my Nigerian passport. This meant always getting expensive visa stamps for every single country I needed to visit. But I didn’t let this deter my determination to explore the world. After living, studying, and working in the US for 16 years, I finally got my US passport which makes travel a lot easier in terms of pre-travel requirements.
And it has been a blessing to hold that blue book in many ways.
Now my daughter has her own passport, has traveled extensively, and is just two years old. Travel for me is a lifestyle, and I’m so grateful my family has been able to weave it into our lives in such a seamless way that it’s not always treated as a novelty but as part of our lifestyle.
So back to PPP, the advisory team is made up of 20 avid travelers and our role involves mentoring in various capacities – from mentoring a girl through her passport application process to lending that ear of support as well as encouraging advice to prepare them for a life of wanderlust.
By the end of Phase 2 next summer (2015), the girls will travel to and explore Guadeloupe Islands (courtesy of sponsors HomeAway and The Guadeloupe Tourist Board) to celebrate their new passports.
You can follow The Passport Party Project progress on Facebook and Twitter #PassportPartyProject.
Congratulations! I’m always proud of you! I would like to know how my students can become a part of the project. I will be full-time in the Fall (yes!) and I need them to be on board about how amazing it is to see the world! Bisous!
Merci Felicia! Definitely get in touch with Tracey through the links above.
Wow! What a fantastic program and what an opportunity for these young girls having the chance to get out there and explore the World. Good luck.
Thanks Monica! It really is.
You rock Lola! I am beyond excited for the girls and the Advisory Board members who have committed themselves to Phase 2 of the Passport Party Project! #PowerToThePassport!
So glad to be on board with you as well Tawanna!!
Like you, I started using my passport at a very young age and travel is and always will be a huge part of my life. When I have kids, I hope to take many journeys with them. I’m so looking forward to seeing how travel will shape these girls’ world view and their lives!! #TravelRocks
Indeed! Yes, traveling with kids brings on a whole new level of appreciation as well. I’m so grateful to be able to show mine the world.