DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND'S BLOG
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Welcome Nicola Breytenbach
- Posted on 04.15.09
Related causes: Community
We hope that this note finds you well - rested, rejuvinated, and ready for Spring.
It is with great joy and honor that we write today to announce a new, monthly blogging series that we are launching today with our friend, DEF supporter, and Africa's Angels Ambassador Nicola Breytenbach.
Beginning today and continuing monthly, Nicola will post a piece on an issue or experience that has or is affecting those living in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. We encourage you to take a moment to read this post, discuss it, and share it with your friends and family.
In Nicola's first piece, she reflects on her becoming a part of Diamond Empowerment Fund and the work that she has done to date - she has an incredible spirit. Take a look at her recent trip to the C.I.D.A. Organization's Maharishi Institute - we think you will enjoy it! http://www.diamondempowerment.org/africas-angels/
We are looking forward to sharing Nicola with you in the coming months and thank...Read More -
In Southern Florida I Found Southern Africa
- Posted on 04.09.09
Related causes: Environment, Human Rights
I found myself in South Florida last week and had the opportunity to drop in on J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point. Having sold 816 of the Simmons Jewelry Co.’s Green Bracelets over the past two years, J.R. Dunn (http://www.jrdunn.com) has been an important independent retailer supporting the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission. It was a treat to be able to thank them in person, and to see the great things they are doing.
Sean Dunn and his father, Jim Dunn, showed me around their elegant store, and then I had the opportunity to sit down with them and discuss their new venture, Precious Earth Fine Jewelry (www.preciousearthjewelry.com). This new collection is made with diamonds from Namibia that are cut and polished locally, and they are dedicated to transparency and consciousness in all of their business practices. Diamonds are vital to the Namibian economy and Precious Earth and Team Namibia are working together to advocate and empower the local population through beneficiati...Read More -
Russell Simmons in Africa supporting DEF
- Posted on 09.05.08
Related causes: Youth
In South Africa this week for my work to grow the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), a non-profit I co-founded last year to support educational empowerment programs in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.
Traveled to Sun City, a couple of hours from Johannesburg at the invitation of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) to speak to the Sightholders about diamonds for good and how they can get involved in supporting greater opportunity for young Africans through access to higher education. Varda Shine, the Managing Director of the DTC and a D.E.F. Board Member, gave us this important platform for D.E.F.'s cause and goals of getting the international diamond jewelry industry on board. FYI, the Sightholders are 78 companies from all over the world that have the exclusive opportunity to buy diamonds directly from the DTC, so having a chance to speak with these people was a very good step for this movement.
Festus Mogae, the former President of the Republic of Botswan...Read More
