Well it’s time to pack up and head for home – we visited GGA to say our farewells and then went to Victoria Street market (to stock up with items which we hope to sell in the UK to boost our fundraising initiatives) and then off to the airport.
Although I have been to Sierra Leone 6 times and witnessed extreme poverty (most of which is as a result of 10 years of civil war) this experience for me has been in many ways more difficult to cope with (not just because I’ve had Charlie to put up with). The massive gap between the “haves” and the “have nots”, the contrast between World Cup fever and the poverty we have witnessed and the devastation caused by HIV/AIDS pandemic for those both infected and affected is unbelievable. BUT having said all that I firmly believe that each and every one of us can “make a real difference” - if we have the desire to and I would urge you all to think about trying to do whatever you can to help It is my first visit to South Africa BUT I don’t think it will be my last – please don’t tell my wife!!
On my part coming back was easier than I thought. But things have not changed much. Its very true what Alan says. The gap between the rich and poor in South Africa is massive. With a country 3 times the size of the UK, a population of 45 million people, 11 official languages and now some very nice new stadiums – its poignant to remember some facts and figures only 5 million people are eligible to pay tax in South Africa, 13 million people survive on pensions and grants when they can access them, there are 1000’s of people who do not exist in the eyes of the state as they do not have any official documents. South Africa remains one of the most devastated countries by HIV Aids and this continues the cycle of poverty. There are ladies in the 60’s and 70’s caring for their grand children when their own children have died, and on the flip side there are children caring for the siblings some as young as 14 caring for two year olds. These are the ones we know about, it’s the ones we don’t that makes what people are doing here so important in all the projects we have visited, no matter the scale of the problem they continue doing what they can striving to do more. South Africa isn’t a country that feels sorry for itself. As Alan said such a little can make such a huge difference. These are not only South African problems, nor an African problem we are all in together, humanity must fight the scourges of disease and poverty as one. There is saying in Zulu, Known as Ubuntu – which in basic translation means “I am because you are”. In other words a person is only a person when you view them as a person! This trip for me once again has put a face to poverty, the faces of Children, Babies, Grannies, Teenage mums, Fathers and Mothers, Brothers and Sisters. These are faces to easily forgotten when poverty is discussed. They are people just like us, only facing a daily battle for survival.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday 8th July 2010
Up very bright and early this morning and writing these retrospectively, otherwise it would have been a complete mess. We today have visited all the projects which we have made a commitment to and the ones we want to create a further relationship with. We are visiting with some other potential funders from the UK. The first project we visited was Hillcrest Aids Centre a truly incredible project empowering the community and supporting those infected and affected by Aids. They have a craft centre creating beadwork, sewing and a plant nursery. They have hospice which can care for up to 21 patients and no one is ever turned away. They have a centre where people can be tested and counselled and the environment is wonderful and extremely caring.
After a visit to their craft shop we make our way to Ridge City. Jake the founder sat with us and we had a further discussion and then he went and showed us round - we presented them with a cheque for R5000 and are sure that we will raise the money they need to get the electricity machine which will benefit 17,000 people in their local community.
After this we then went up to Sithembakuye. Russell who was busy with about 10 kids then showed us round and introduced everyone to each other. Again we presented them with a cheque for the support of their Granny feeding programme. Whilst there we met Jon from Lions Roar who has secured funding to maintain the children’s home. With this we then hope in the future that we can slowly help Russell and Sithembakuye to become self sufficient with an enterprise programme.
Next and at this stage I was concerned whether Alan could keep up with the pace! We visited Dawn Lappan founder of 1000 Hills Community Helpers. Again what a project they had fed near on 1400 people today and seen almost 170 people in their free clinic. Dawn is an inspirational woman and by her nature makes you feel you are the most important person in the room and that you would have been friends for ever. After another visit to a craft room and some bracelets latter we moved onto Georgedale.
During our visit we were honoured to meet the local Councillor. He represents 44,000 people and he asked us if we would visit a house that houses a 13 year old and 19 year old girlf which is falling down. The 13 year old girl Nomvula, had a pair of school shoes which were completely ruined so we had bought a new pair and taken them to her.
Lastly we visited Ithembalihle, when we arrived the sun was setting. They were busy feeding the children and the cold was starting to bite. .....
Alan’s in the Chair now – as Charlie has just said it was late in the afternoon BUT I wasn’t cold (these youngsters!!) We were really pleased that the 6 chickens we had presented the project with were all fit and well and they had produced their first 2 eggs for Thandiwe’s community - may not seem a big deal but it could be the start of helping them supplement their food programme.
We’ve had a very long but also very rewarding day - revisiting the projects where we know we can make a real difference and help them move forward is a really good way to finish the visit.
Went out for a final meal with some friends – hardly seems possible that our trip is coming to an end BUT we have visited a total of 19 projects (from small fledgling groups with scope to grow and develop to well established benchmark organisations), we have met some amazing people, we have seen firsthand the devastating effect of HIV/Aids and general poverty, we have been shown round by Rotarians and community/project leaders all of whom have given freely of their time in very busy schedules to promote the (wait for it Charlie) phenomenal work that is being undertaken in this area and it never ceases to amaze me that despite all this the people are so proud and happy.
After a visit to their craft shop we make our way to Ridge City. Jake the founder sat with us and we had a further discussion and then he went and showed us round - we presented them with a cheque for R5000 and are sure that we will raise the money they need to get the electricity machine which will benefit 17,000 people in their local community.
After this we then went up to Sithembakuye. Russell who was busy with about 10 kids then showed us round and introduced everyone to each other. Again we presented them with a cheque for the support of their Granny feeding programme. Whilst there we met Jon from Lions Roar who has secured funding to maintain the children’s home. With this we then hope in the future that we can slowly help Russell and Sithembakuye to become self sufficient with an enterprise programme.
Next and at this stage I was concerned whether Alan could keep up with the pace! We visited Dawn Lappan founder of 1000 Hills Community Helpers. Again what a project they had fed near on 1400 people today and seen almost 170 people in their free clinic. Dawn is an inspirational woman and by her nature makes you feel you are the most important person in the room and that you would have been friends for ever. After another visit to a craft room and some bracelets latter we moved onto Georgedale.
During our visit we were honoured to meet the local Councillor. He represents 44,000 people and he asked us if we would visit a house that houses a 13 year old and 19 year old girlf which is falling down. The 13 year old girl Nomvula, had a pair of school shoes which were completely ruined so we had bought a new pair and taken them to her.
Lastly we visited Ithembalihle, when we arrived the sun was setting. They were busy feeding the children and the cold was starting to bite. .....
Alan’s in the Chair now – as Charlie has just said it was late in the afternoon BUT I wasn’t cold (these youngsters!!) We were really pleased that the 6 chickens we had presented the project with were all fit and well and they had produced their first 2 eggs for Thandiwe’s community - may not seem a big deal but it could be the start of helping them supplement their food programme.
We’ve had a very long but also very rewarding day - revisiting the projects where we know we can make a real difference and help them move forward is a really good way to finish the visit.
Went out for a final meal with some friends – hardly seems possible that our trip is coming to an end BUT we have visited a total of 19 projects (from small fledgling groups with scope to grow and develop to well established benchmark organisations), we have met some amazing people, we have seen firsthand the devastating effect of HIV/Aids and general poverty, we have been shown round by Rotarians and community/project leaders all of whom have given freely of their time in very busy schedules to promote the (wait for it Charlie) phenomenal work that is being undertaken in this area and it never ceases to amaze me that despite all this the people are so proud and happy.
Wednesday 7th July 2010
Woke up this morning found Debbie playing with her computer, just like a small child on Christmas morning. Opening a present before she was allowed to. Anyway her ability to go to each project with a computer and access the internet will increases our accountability and the support she can offer the more fledgling organisations.
We have a big meeting this morning and later we are going to visit Sethani a project right in the bottom of the valley situated next to the dam.
Just got back we are earlier today, this means we can have an early night. Big day tomorrow, Sethani again what a project absolutely buzzing! They are once again and all the better for it a project for the community run by the community. They have a resource centre, after school club and outreach programme and they are also running a peer gold mentor programme. They have their priorities right. Because of it’s community ethos it’s not targeted by crime its one of the first organisations I have ever been to that does not have a gate! Which to me is testament to how highly they are respected in the community that they help.
Alan and I are going to go and grab a burger now.
We have a big meeting this morning and later we are going to visit Sethani a project right in the bottom of the valley situated next to the dam.
Just got back we are earlier today, this means we can have an early night. Big day tomorrow, Sethani again what a project absolutely buzzing! They are once again and all the better for it a project for the community run by the community. They have a resource centre, after school club and outreach programme and they are also running a peer gold mentor programme. They have their priorities right. Because of it’s community ethos it’s not targeted by crime its one of the first organisations I have ever been to that does not have a gate! Which to me is testament to how highly they are respected in the community that they help.
Alan and I are going to go and grab a burger now.
Tuesday 6th July 2010
I’m still trying to get over last night! Come as you like they said, if it wasn’t obvious we were visitors it was when we walked in! All said it was a great evening and just another reason why Rotary should be proud to have clubs and the members which it does. I’m still also trying to get over the fact they think Alan is my father and I think he is as well!
This morning we are visiting Gozololo (easy for you to say). We have a couple of other meetings and we need to get Debbie a laptop. Breakfast finished. Talk later.
What a day, weather has changed. Amazing really can go from hot to cold so quickly. I was so impressed with Gozololo. A proper community project run by the community for the community. They are doing some amazing things. They have secured a massive donation from Spar and receive a lot of food. They have a preschool, after school clubs and support multiple care givers. What’s also amazing is there are another two centres just like this in just the same positions in the community.
What I also like is their volunteers are also from the community. In return they receive a food parcel but I do not believe that’s there motivation for helping. Although like every charity Gozololo would and could do with more support which takes away a certain amount of uncertainty and offers increased security and allows them to keep doing the important parts. Unfortunately one dictates the other. Gozololo survives mainly on SA donations which in my opinion is an incredible feat and just goes to show its there you just need to find it!
This morning we are visiting Gozololo (easy for you to say). We have a couple of other meetings and we need to get Debbie a laptop. Breakfast finished. Talk later.
What a day, weather has changed. Amazing really can go from hot to cold so quickly. I was so impressed with Gozololo. A proper community project run by the community for the community. They are doing some amazing things. They have secured a massive donation from Spar and receive a lot of food. They have a preschool, after school clubs and support multiple care givers. What’s also amazing is there are another two centres just like this in just the same positions in the community.
What I also like is their volunteers are also from the community. In return they receive a food parcel but I do not believe that’s there motivation for helping. Although like every charity Gozololo would and could do with more support which takes away a certain amount of uncertainty and offers increased security and allows them to keep doing the important parts. Unfortunately one dictates the other. Gozololo survives mainly on SA donations which in my opinion is an incredible feat and just goes to show its there you just need to find it!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Monday the 5th July
Monday 5th July – Alan again – Charlie is still busy with technology issues!!
Today we visited 3 Rotary Club projects with Patrick Draper of Hillcrest Rotary Club – the first was:
Phinduvye Community Development Project – which is run by a lady called Jabu (yet another amazing yet totally unassuming woman). We saw a photo of this plot taken a year ago and the transformation is unbelieveable as is the work that this organisation undertake.
• They have a day care centre in a Wendy House for 30 children aged 9 months – 5 years – it is run as a community project with no fees paid.
• There is a lunchtime feeding programme for 110 chilldren.
• A community garden where they grow vegetables in car tyres as the ground is poor
• The Marianhill mobile clinic visits every Monday for HIV testing and general medical issues.
Amathubu (which means opportunity in Zulu) run by Suzi Lyons & Robert Zumu – I am sorry to be repetitive BUT yet again Suzi is a truly amazing woman – she has had a debilitating illness for 2 years, is confined to a wheelchair BUT her drive is to help people in the local community by building/rebuilding houses.
We visited 2 sites where this organisation has made a commitment to make a difference – the first is a property where Robert has built a house out of pre fabricated concrete fence panels (similar to Banbury buildings garages). This guy acquires second hand fence panels and converts them into houses – the benefit here is that they do not have to lay foundations and the time scale for building is far smarter. I suggested that he contact the manufacturers to see if they have reject panels and also from a PR perspective houses from fence panels!! The second is a site that they are hoping to undertake a similar project.
Robert also works with 9ocal teenagers to train them in building techniques.
Another project that has impressed us and I hope we can offer some support.
Our third project was SKADA – Street Kids+ Adult Education Development Association – this is a guy called Apollo who has no qualifications BUT has a real passion for helping these kids. Currently he has 32 youngsters on the project – the kids stay in 3 locations – a log cabin, a caravan outside the log cabin and 2 rooms in a hose close to where the kids go for vocational training. He also has a panel beating workshop. This guy is doing a good job but lacks management skills & would have to be closely monitored if we decided to fund him.
This evening we attended Hillcrest Rotary Club’s Induction evening – it is the start of the Rotary year and in the UK we call it the Handover meeting where the new President takes on the chain of office.
It was held at a rather upmarket retirement complex – most of the guys were in black tie or suits, a couple of guys were smart casual and then there was Charlie & I !! Having said all that it was a great evening of fellowship and we were accepted for who we were and not how we were dressed.
Today we visited 3 Rotary Club projects with Patrick Draper of Hillcrest Rotary Club – the first was:
Phinduvye Community Development Project – which is run by a lady called Jabu (yet another amazing yet totally unassuming woman). We saw a photo of this plot taken a year ago and the transformation is unbelieveable as is the work that this organisation undertake.
• They have a day care centre in a Wendy House for 30 children aged 9 months – 5 years – it is run as a community project with no fees paid.
• There is a lunchtime feeding programme for 110 chilldren.
• A community garden where they grow vegetables in car tyres as the ground is poor
• The Marianhill mobile clinic visits every Monday for HIV testing and general medical issues.
Amathubu (which means opportunity in Zulu) run by Suzi Lyons & Robert Zumu – I am sorry to be repetitive BUT yet again Suzi is a truly amazing woman – she has had a debilitating illness for 2 years, is confined to a wheelchair BUT her drive is to help people in the local community by building/rebuilding houses.
We visited 2 sites where this organisation has made a commitment to make a difference – the first is a property where Robert has built a house out of pre fabricated concrete fence panels (similar to Banbury buildings garages). This guy acquires second hand fence panels and converts them into houses – the benefit here is that they do not have to lay foundations and the time scale for building is far smarter. I suggested that he contact the manufacturers to see if they have reject panels and also from a PR perspective houses from fence panels!! The second is a site that they are hoping to undertake a similar project.
Robert also works with 9ocal teenagers to train them in building techniques.
Another project that has impressed us and I hope we can offer some support.
Our third project was SKADA – Street Kids+ Adult Education Development Association – this is a guy called Apollo who has no qualifications BUT has a real passion for helping these kids. Currently he has 32 youngsters on the project – the kids stay in 3 locations – a log cabin, a caravan outside the log cabin and 2 rooms in a hose close to where the kids go for vocational training. He also has a panel beating workshop. This guy is doing a good job but lacks management skills & would have to be closely monitored if we decided to fund him.
This evening we attended Hillcrest Rotary Club’s Induction evening – it is the start of the Rotary year and in the UK we call it the Handover meeting where the new President takes on the chain of office.
It was held at a rather upmarket retirement complex – most of the guys were in black tie or suits, a couple of guys were smart casual and then there was Charlie & I !! Having said all that it was a great evening of fellowship and we were accepted for who we were and not how we were dressed.
3rd and 4th of July
Saturday 3rd July – Alan
Today was a long journey to look at a project – we had an approach via our website www.gga.org.uk from an organisation called Masakhane, Port Shepstone (get your SA maps out!!) – SW of Durban.
They are a community based group serving an area of 26,000 and have been going for 7 years. They operate a nursery, youth activities, an OVC 10 week programme (Orphans & Vulnerable Children), a Youth Club, family visits using community social workers and a feeding programme in a local school.
Although established for 7 years they have a limited source of income and are looking for support to help them develop and become more self sustaining. The driving force behind the project is Lindiwe with support from a couple from Northern Ireland - an interesting project with potential.
Headed back to Durban and visited the Victoria Street Market – a real local experience with many beadwork, ethnic and similar items for sale and it was great to be able to haggle over prices!!
We had been invited to a Braai (BBQ) at the home of the leader of Ridge City and we felt it would be rude not to go!! It was so nice to be there as it was a genuine invitation with no “hard sell” approach. We met some really nice people and believe we can develop a relationship with this group
Sunday 4th July – Alan again – Charlie is busy with technology issues!!
We returned to St John’s (Itembalihle) to build a chicken enclosure as we feel this would be a good step up for them to have fresh eggs to supplement their food supplies. They already had a wood and stick structure and we decided to try and convert it at a very small cost by using materials that were already on site. The base was made up of cement roofing sheets (for those in the UK asbestos but don’t tell the Health & Safety!!). We then used a tarpaulin donated by Debbie our SA co-ordinator.
It was great to do a bit off “hands on” work – Thandiwe, her husband Sipho and lots of the children mucked in and helped us and 3.5 hours later we were complete – everyone was really pleased with the end product BUT the sobering issue was that across the hill (some 200 yards away) a grave was being prepared for a 6 year old girl from the community that had passed away on Friday. (Charlie here - Alan was desperate to build something! He was just not content with the lego I bought hime)!
We hosted a Braai (BBQ for those of you with short memories) at our accommodation for potential Board members for Goodwill & Growth for Africa SA. It was a great chance to network with people, some of whom have already supported us this last week, and to continue to promote the work that we are hoping to undertake in this area – views to die for!!
Today was a long journey to look at a project – we had an approach via our website www.gga.org.uk from an organisation called Masakhane, Port Shepstone (get your SA maps out!!) – SW of Durban.
They are a community based group serving an area of 26,000 and have been going for 7 years. They operate a nursery, youth activities, an OVC 10 week programme (Orphans & Vulnerable Children), a Youth Club, family visits using community social workers and a feeding programme in a local school.
Although established for 7 years they have a limited source of income and are looking for support to help them develop and become more self sustaining. The driving force behind the project is Lindiwe with support from a couple from Northern Ireland - an interesting project with potential.
Headed back to Durban and visited the Victoria Street Market – a real local experience with many beadwork, ethnic and similar items for sale and it was great to be able to haggle over prices!!
We had been invited to a Braai (BBQ) at the home of the leader of Ridge City and we felt it would be rude not to go!! It was so nice to be there as it was a genuine invitation with no “hard sell” approach. We met some really nice people and believe we can develop a relationship with this group
Sunday 4th July – Alan again – Charlie is busy with technology issues!!
We returned to St John’s (Itembalihle) to build a chicken enclosure as we feel this would be a good step up for them to have fresh eggs to supplement their food supplies. They already had a wood and stick structure and we decided to try and convert it at a very small cost by using materials that were already on site. The base was made up of cement roofing sheets (for those in the UK asbestos but don’t tell the Health & Safety!!). We then used a tarpaulin donated by Debbie our SA co-ordinator.
It was great to do a bit off “hands on” work – Thandiwe, her husband Sipho and lots of the children mucked in and helped us and 3.5 hours later we were complete – everyone was really pleased with the end product BUT the sobering issue was that across the hill (some 200 yards away) a grave was being prepared for a 6 year old girl from the community that had passed away on Friday. (Charlie here - Alan was desperate to build something! He was just not content with the lego I bought hime)!
We hosted a Braai (BBQ for those of you with short memories) at our accommodation for potential Board members for Goodwill & Growth for Africa SA. It was a great chance to network with people, some of whom have already supported us this last week, and to continue to promote the work that we are hoping to undertake in this area – views to die for!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Friday 02/07/2010
We are getting a bit slack with keeping up, but we are busy, busy, busy! There’s so much to see still. Plus when you find the projects that are really make such a difference its hard to keep to schedules when you stay with them and watch their good work all day! Still we must and we do. This morning we met with Caroline Horn and 40 very noisy children all waiting for their weekend food supplement. We then went to tour a local valley Kwa-Ximba.
Afterwards we visited another valley Sankontshe where we met up with the local community health workers who also run a small NGO, feeding 194 orphans 3 times a week. They like others are struggling. They are frontline staff who are also expected to fundraise and manage the needs of the children against those of administration. For several reason each has become equally important as one dictates the success of the other. They need R4000 per month roughly £400 to run their programme, they have a small amount coming from the central government but it barely meets the need. Again when we get back we will see what we can do! We then went to the site of a house that will be built in conjunction with Goodwill and Growth for Africa and the help of the Scottish community in Brechin. We were very happy to see the area had been cleared and blocks at the ready once the builder has been primed the work will begin!
We then moved onto Georgedale to meet with the local ANC Councillor who represents 44,000 people in 3 separate areas. His name is Councillor Shabalala, charming guy and one who is profoundly popular with whom he represents. He has a rate of unemployment which would make your eyes water almost 70%. He faces huge challenges and it was an honour that he had taken the time to meet with us and that he was more than pleased we had shown an expression of interest to help projects in his area.
We then went to visit a house in Georgedale, there was a girl of 13 there, her sister who is twenty is very sick and at the clinic. In the corner of the plot of land lay two freshly dug graves, one for her Mother and Sister who had both died very recently. The house is starting to fall down and the girl’s father is also very sick and not living in the same area. I must point out that the area where we are focusing our attention has an HIV infection rate of 1 in 3 and that is of those who we know about. “Sick” 7 times out of 10 means HIV. Another interesting fact is that recently the South African Government acknowledged it would not reach its target of 80% of the people infected with HIV that would get the medicines which help to manage the disease and prolong life in a very ordinary way. Yet they just spent over £5 billion on a world cup! The girl of 13 Nomvula still manages to go to school but when we were shown her school shoes which had no sole and a school dress hen pecked with holes she had been fortunate to be allowed to continue. In South Africa you have to pay to go to school - no money no school in many circumstances, you must also have an immaculate uniform if not you can also be sent away. Nomvula must have an understanding principle for which she is lucky as many others are not. We took her dress away to repair it (no not Charlie or me) and Charlie is funding the purchase of a new pair of school shoes.
We then went on to meet Sithembakuye and their youth club after we fathomed Debbie’s directions (there was no right turn that’s all I will say). The concept of youth club is different from the UK – there was no table tennis, darts, pool, music etc - it was a discussion forum. There were 18 teenagers from 13 – 18 (14 boys & 4 girls) and the topic was the importance of HIV/Aids testing.
The majority of the discussion was in Zulu BUT it was obvious for me (alan) who speaks no Zulu that there was input from most of the individuals, there was some good banter, a lot of questions and answers AND some very serious moments – I found it really positive for these youngsters to have a youth leader who is guiding them through such a difficult topic which has impacted either directly or indirectly on all of them.
Afterwards we visited another valley Sankontshe where we met up with the local community health workers who also run a small NGO, feeding 194 orphans 3 times a week. They like others are struggling. They are frontline staff who are also expected to fundraise and manage the needs of the children against those of administration. For several reason each has become equally important as one dictates the success of the other. They need R4000 per month roughly £400 to run their programme, they have a small amount coming from the central government but it barely meets the need. Again when we get back we will see what we can do! We then went to the site of a house that will be built in conjunction with Goodwill and Growth for Africa and the help of the Scottish community in Brechin. We were very happy to see the area had been cleared and blocks at the ready once the builder has been primed the work will begin!
We then moved onto Georgedale to meet with the local ANC Councillor who represents 44,000 people in 3 separate areas. His name is Councillor Shabalala, charming guy and one who is profoundly popular with whom he represents. He has a rate of unemployment which would make your eyes water almost 70%. He faces huge challenges and it was an honour that he had taken the time to meet with us and that he was more than pleased we had shown an expression of interest to help projects in his area.
We then went to visit a house in Georgedale, there was a girl of 13 there, her sister who is twenty is very sick and at the clinic. In the corner of the plot of land lay two freshly dug graves, one for her Mother and Sister who had both died very recently. The house is starting to fall down and the girl’s father is also very sick and not living in the same area. I must point out that the area where we are focusing our attention has an HIV infection rate of 1 in 3 and that is of those who we know about. “Sick” 7 times out of 10 means HIV. Another interesting fact is that recently the South African Government acknowledged it would not reach its target of 80% of the people infected with HIV that would get the medicines which help to manage the disease and prolong life in a very ordinary way. Yet they just spent over £5 billion on a world cup! The girl of 13 Nomvula still manages to go to school but when we were shown her school shoes which had no sole and a school dress hen pecked with holes she had been fortunate to be allowed to continue. In South Africa you have to pay to go to school - no money no school in many circumstances, you must also have an immaculate uniform if not you can also be sent away. Nomvula must have an understanding principle for which she is lucky as many others are not. We took her dress away to repair it (no not Charlie or me) and Charlie is funding the purchase of a new pair of school shoes.
We then went on to meet Sithembakuye and their youth club after we fathomed Debbie’s directions (there was no right turn that’s all I will say). The concept of youth club is different from the UK – there was no table tennis, darts, pool, music etc - it was a discussion forum. There were 18 teenagers from 13 – 18 (14 boys & 4 girls) and the topic was the importance of HIV/Aids testing.
The majority of the discussion was in Zulu BUT it was obvious for me (alan) who speaks no Zulu that there was input from most of the individuals, there was some good banter, a lot of questions and answers AND some very serious moments – I found it really positive for these youngsters to have a youth leader who is guiding them through such a difficult topic which has impacted either directly or indirectly on all of them.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday 01/07/2010
Thursday 1st July - Alan is in the chair
We visited "1000 Hills Community Helpers" this was a project that was not on our orignal list to visit but it was suggested to us by a local Rotary contact and this was a real case of local knowledge being worth a great deal.The project began as a feeding programme in 1989, a year later it was realised that a community clinic was neede to cope with the impact of HIV/AIDS and the project has just developed and become a real flagship organisation - the place was buzzing, a real inspiration.
So what do they do - on average they feed 1,000 people a day, they run a free clinic 5 days a week (averages over1,300 per week) , they have a baby room, creche & pre school,community gardens project growing food to supplement the feeding programme, a skills development programme (Adult Basic Education Training,computer skills, an internet centre,a craft centre training people in sewing & beadwork and selling on to raise funds for the project,a library, a home based care scheme, a 4 x 4 ambulance which is on call 24/7 - do you get the impression that is a busy place?!! There was a holiday club for children yesterday and over 150 kids were taking part in activities.
The centre is run by Dawn Leppan with a fantastic team of staff and volunteers and we were just SO impressed by the phenomonal amount of hard work, care and attention that was evident in evry department we visited.
I find it hard to put into words exactly how good this organisation was - it had to be seen to be believed and I am hoping we can form a relationship with Dawn & her team.
We then headed off to Ridge City an organistion that has been going for 5 years approx.
They have a number of projects - Ridge Enterprise that offers loans for community members to set up their own businesses, a cluster foster care facility for 4 children, Ridge Cafe which offers food & drinks, background music and a TV, stocks convenience items and operates a soup kitchen once a week that feeds an average of 200, Ridge Youth which works with the disadvantaged (Arts Academy - dance, drama & music lessons) and a football programme.
A really good organisation that is always looking for other opportunities to develop and continue to serve this marginalised community and they are submitting some funding proposals for our consideration.
We visited "1000 Hills Community Helpers" this was a project that was not on our orignal list to visit but it was suggested to us by a local Rotary contact and this was a real case of local knowledge being worth a great deal.The project began as a feeding programme in 1989, a year later it was realised that a community clinic was neede to cope with the impact of HIV/AIDS and the project has just developed and become a real flagship organisation - the place was buzzing, a real inspiration.
So what do they do - on average they feed 1,000 people a day, they run a free clinic 5 days a week (averages over1,300 per week) , they have a baby room, creche & pre school,community gardens project growing food to supplement the feeding programme, a skills development programme (Adult Basic Education Training,computer skills, an internet centre,a craft centre training people in sewing & beadwork and selling on to raise funds for the project,a library, a home based care scheme, a 4 x 4 ambulance which is on call 24/7 - do you get the impression that is a busy place?!! There was a holiday club for children yesterday and over 150 kids were taking part in activities.
The centre is run by Dawn Leppan with a fantastic team of staff and volunteers and we were just SO impressed by the phenomonal amount of hard work, care and attention that was evident in evry department we visited.
I find it hard to put into words exactly how good this organisation was - it had to be seen to be believed and I am hoping we can form a relationship with Dawn & her team.
We then headed off to Ridge City an organistion that has been going for 5 years approx.
They have a number of projects - Ridge Enterprise that offers loans for community members to set up their own businesses, a cluster foster care facility for 4 children, Ridge Cafe which offers food & drinks, background music and a TV, stocks convenience items and operates a soup kitchen once a week that feeds an average of 200, Ridge Youth which works with the disadvantaged (Arts Academy - dance, drama & music lessons) and a football programme.
A really good organisation that is always looking for other opportunities to develop and continue to serve this marginalised community and they are submitting some funding proposals for our consideration.
Wednesday 31/06/2010
Morning all, well we have had our breakfast which once again beat expectations. The weather has turned here its gone very cold very quickly this morning we are meeting Sithembakuye. We have already agreed to fund there Grannie support programme, when twice a week 92 ladies who have become the main care givers ranging from 60 to 80+ years old, get together and almost have a forum, similar to a WI meeting I suppose. They participate in other activities including a Football team (We have been told they are very good, apparently they asked England for a warm up game but they declined – probably best for the English team already been embarrassed enough). They also have a net ball team.
We arrived there this morning at 10am, there where the Grannies (Gogo in Zulu) were all sat chatting and waiting for their morning meal prepared in a very small kitchen in a house which has only 4 rooms which during the week doubles up as a crèche for 26 children and one room with seven beds that sleeps 14 children from the age 2 – 17 years of age. There is one toilet and no shower (its the bucket again) Russell the founder of Sithembakuye is showing us round and at the same time running the operation with an army of volunteers from the community! Lionsraw an English charity which has done some amazing things and is based on the principle of helping the countries where the world cup is being held and bringing football fans to build and support projects – they are building Russell an extra building with a lot more space and showers!! Jon the founder is a very nice guy and asked that we have a chat so that we don’t double up our funding. He prepares legacies for all his projects and we of course agreed. Russell stands out and from the start he has been completely open about his monetary position and what comes from where, he has quotes for us he has ideas for us. However its very easy to get carried away and give huge amounts of money, which hinders rather than helps projects like Sithembakuye as they start new initiatives without the capacity this is not helpful. We have a great SA co-ordinator and all through out the trip we have formed some great connections we have actual opened up a great network and what’s refreshing is that gone are the days when people don’t want to support others and only concentrate on there projects. We have to start realising we are in this together, such a small amount if administered properly can make a huge difference. Just thinking of not throwing something away and rather donating it to a charity helps.
We had a really good discussion with Russell and talked about a way forward and we are very interested to help with his enterprise projects which he would involve his Gogos, we also want to offer him a route to market. We discussed what we would expect and how Debbie our co-ordinator would help alongside him to grow at a reasonable rate to create self sustainability not dependence.
Whilst in the valley where Sithembakuye was based we were pointed out a few mounds on the hill. This we were told is a mass grave for those who have died from HIV and have no money to be buried any differently. Cremation is not accepted in the Zulu Tradition. 4,500 people have been buried there in the last 4 years. Without the same respect and grief of those buried in the UK. That is 3 people per day, that’s mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters etc and worst of all children. In an area no bigger than a small village in the UK, all dying from poverty and HIV aids related diseases all of which in most cases in the UK are manageable or even curable.
The point is people like Russell and projects like Sithembakuye and others we have seen are making huge differences, changing the lives of so many and creating development albeit in a small pocket of South Africa but it has to start somewhere. Suffice to say we are both very impressed.
After this we went to Makaphutu which is a model project, they have achieved so much and they are what all projects should aspire to be. It makes a massive difference to see success like this and how our projects could be one day with the right support and management they can become as successful.
I myself have always compared charity and the work they do to a business. Children, Grannies, Mother, and their babies they are the profit. Donations are the investment. Although sometime the profit margins are tight the end product is priceless. Although this model is slightly dehumanising and takes away other factors, when you see what a nominal amount can do and what results that produces. A business that’s upon success and growth delivers development and betterment for others. Get it right now and in twenty years it maybe a very different picture and I may be out of the job and I truly hope so!
We arrived there this morning at 10am, there where the Grannies (Gogo in Zulu) were all sat chatting and waiting for their morning meal prepared in a very small kitchen in a house which has only 4 rooms which during the week doubles up as a crèche for 26 children and one room with seven beds that sleeps 14 children from the age 2 – 17 years of age. There is one toilet and no shower (its the bucket again) Russell the founder of Sithembakuye is showing us round and at the same time running the operation with an army of volunteers from the community! Lionsraw an English charity which has done some amazing things and is based on the principle of helping the countries where the world cup is being held and bringing football fans to build and support projects – they are building Russell an extra building with a lot more space and showers!! Jon the founder is a very nice guy and asked that we have a chat so that we don’t double up our funding. He prepares legacies for all his projects and we of course agreed. Russell stands out and from the start he has been completely open about his monetary position and what comes from where, he has quotes for us he has ideas for us. However its very easy to get carried away and give huge amounts of money, which hinders rather than helps projects like Sithembakuye as they start new initiatives without the capacity this is not helpful. We have a great SA co-ordinator and all through out the trip we have formed some great connections we have actual opened up a great network and what’s refreshing is that gone are the days when people don’t want to support others and only concentrate on there projects. We have to start realising we are in this together, such a small amount if administered properly can make a huge difference. Just thinking of not throwing something away and rather donating it to a charity helps.
We had a really good discussion with Russell and talked about a way forward and we are very interested to help with his enterprise projects which he would involve his Gogos, we also want to offer him a route to market. We discussed what we would expect and how Debbie our co-ordinator would help alongside him to grow at a reasonable rate to create self sustainability not dependence.
Whilst in the valley where Sithembakuye was based we were pointed out a few mounds on the hill. This we were told is a mass grave for those who have died from HIV and have no money to be buried any differently. Cremation is not accepted in the Zulu Tradition. 4,500 people have been buried there in the last 4 years. Without the same respect and grief of those buried in the UK. That is 3 people per day, that’s mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters etc and worst of all children. In an area no bigger than a small village in the UK, all dying from poverty and HIV aids related diseases all of which in most cases in the UK are manageable or even curable.
The point is people like Russell and projects like Sithembakuye and others we have seen are making huge differences, changing the lives of so many and creating development albeit in a small pocket of South Africa but it has to start somewhere. Suffice to say we are both very impressed.
After this we went to Makaphutu which is a model project, they have achieved so much and they are what all projects should aspire to be. It makes a massive difference to see success like this and how our projects could be one day with the right support and management they can become as successful.
I myself have always compared charity and the work they do to a business. Children, Grannies, Mother, and their babies they are the profit. Donations are the investment. Although sometime the profit margins are tight the end product is priceless. Although this model is slightly dehumanising and takes away other factors, when you see what a nominal amount can do and what results that produces. A business that’s upon success and growth delivers development and betterment for others. Get it right now and in twenty years it maybe a very different picture and I may be out of the job and I truly hope so!
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