Throughout Africa and the world, our wildlife is disappearing at an alarming rate. Some beautiful species of animals are on the brink of extinction.  Certainly, these are worldwide problems but what can just one person here in the State of Florida do about it? Meet Alex Cywes. 

This 15 year old freshman from Jacksonville, Florida is on a mission to make a difference, to educate the public, and to do his part to support developing communities and, yes, to protect animals.  Alex recently founded an organization called Beads 4 Breeds.   As noted by Alex, "The world we live in today does not and will not solely belong to us.  We share the resources and bounties of the earth with our fellow creatures. The least we can do is protect the homes they need to survive."

Certainly, the good work of Beads 4 Breeds is something that we can all rally around and support.  As part of the efforts and mission of Beads 4 Breeds, there is a wonderful website that can be shared and enjoyed by children and adults alike. 

Check out the official website of Beads 4 Breeds at www.Beads4Breeds.org  You can read more about the organization and interesting facts about animals needing our protection.  The organization is supported in part by the sales of beaded animals that are crafted by residents (adults and children) located in villages in and around Cape Town, South Africa. The beaded animals are available for sale on the Beads 4 Breeds website. Prices range from $7.99 to $20.99.  A purchase of these unique items will help financially support these artisans and help bring about public awareness of endangered species by telling others about the beaded animals and the work of Beads 4 Breeds. 

As further noted by Alex, "Our focus is intended to be at the root of the problem.  We look to stop crimes against nature. These include but are not limited to:  deforestation due to expanding city boundaries, pollution of all kinds, poaching, etc. . . " While Alex is thousands of miles away from South Africa, he has a connection with the continent because his father was born and raised there.  To this day, his grandparents still reside in South Africa. Furthermore, Alex has visited the country several times and has seen firsthand the problems of animal destruction and poverty hovering over the community.  It is clear that Alex has a thirst for knowledge and an interest in learning about other countries, cultures, and challenges in the world.  His values and inquisitive nature stem in part from being raised by his Canadian born mother and his South African born father. Both of his parents encourage Alex and his twin sister, Claire, to reach for the stars and make the world a better place than they found it. 

As a 15 year old young man, Alex has shown a great deal of empathy and maturity in organizing and in founding Beads 4 Breeds.  He knows that his work has just begun and he is eager to get help support from his friends and classmates from The Bolles School located in Jacksonville, Florida. He is also seeking help to get the word out well beyond his own community about Beads 4 Breeds.  Yes, the purchase of even one small beaded animal can bring us closer together on the mission to help those less fortunate and to increase public awareness about our animal populations.  As so aptly said by Alex, "Our goal is to leave a green, lasting imprint on the world and to make the earth a better, healthier place for those who will inherit it next."