We have had a quiet beginning of the year and we’re half way through already. I mention a few highlights which always makes one happy to see progress. Our sad moments are when one or two of the children have left for the homeland to a granny or aunt and we don’t see them again.
Lanseria International Airport has continued to ask about and support us this year financially and therefore we have been able to continue with our program. With this sustenance of all donors, every little bit helps to make a difference.
During the rainy season, we discovered quite a few shacks (where the children stay with an aunt or granny) that had quite a few leaks and in a rusting bad condition. Subsequently, we used donor money to order building materials and ask the community people to help in the fixing of the shacks. Some are still in the process of being fixed because of various delays with material not being delivered.
In May one of our boys, who is 16 and has been in a wheelchair since we have known him, was having his wheelchair loaded into his transport to school and it broke.
Instead of having to spend many days in bed without transport, we managed to find a second hand reconditioned wheelchair quickly and bought it with donor money.
He was SO happy and called it his “Porsche”.
Over the last couple of week-ends, we have dedicated time to giving the Grandmothers and Caregivers an opportunity to ask questions. We have trained them in various discipline and mentoring methods which will help them with raising the children. The Home Based Carer’s that have done the Win-Win parenting course led the discussion with the other Home Based Carers in support. We are very proud of their ability and support in this sphere and the guardians are very thankful.
I have been saddened by the delay in delivering new uniforms that we paid the school for, at the beginning of the year! Matric jackets included. It makes no sense. Why the school still uses that company, I have no idea. We have 5 children in Matric (Gr12) this year. Please pray for their dedication and commitment to their work.
At the end of June a number of our children are going Job shadowing again – Fashion Design; Engineering and Information Technology. Thank you to all those that have offered to host them.
In August we have the opportunity to send all the children from 3 to 13 years of age on a trip to the Waterkloof Air Base. The pilots will expose the children to the world of aviation which is always an inspirational time for the children. Watch this space for photos! Thank you to Kerry Hofmeyr of Santa Shoebox for putting our names forward.
Next week we have our annual financial meeting to discuss our progress and planning our going forward according to the financial report kindly put together by our Auditors and their team Vincent Laubscher and Associates.
By “Getting Together” (Hlanganani) we have achieved some wonderful things, thank you.
Kind regards ’til next time.
A huge thank you to all sponsors, supporters and interested parties!