Quarter 1, 2022 issue 3
what's inside this issue
- Siyamdumisa Day Care Centre update (KwaNyuswa)
- Othandweni Child & Youth Care Centre update (Embo)
- Senathi Day Care update (Mangangeni)
- Born Again Community Care Centre update (Embo)
- General updates
- Upcoming projects
- How to get involved
A Culture of Team Work
A message from Sara Brown, Project Coordinator
After a globally tumultuous 2021, the Project Hope Team began 2022 with the sole purpose of restoring HOPE.
Starting with a visit to each project site, we sought to hear what was going on “inside the room”. We wanted to see the hearts of the people that we serve and to hear their suggestions as to how we could best restore their dignity. What was it that they needed and how could we integrate our mission in line with this truth.
The above bearing in mind that Project Hope focusses on five of the seventeen United Nation’s sustainability goals namely: Zero Hunger, Good Health and well being, Quality education, Clean water and sanitation, and Partnership for the goal.
And so, with the above information as our True North, please enjoy a summary of the past three months.
“Hope is that beautiful place between the way things were…and the way things are yet to be.” – Unknown
SIYAMDUMISA DAY CARE UPDATE
Achievements:
- Design & implementation of student application forms Support of two scholars on full Project Hope Bursaries which includes clothing as required, stationary, birthday gifts and full tuition
- Implementation of the “Little Issue” magazine into the classroom setting which focusses on the English language
- Implementation of Jive Media’s “Science Spaza” magazine into the classroom setting which focusses on Science
- Supply of school shoes to all children in need in partnership with individual donors and Inkanyiso School Shoes
- Introduction of isiZulu reading books into the classroom in partnership with Biblionef and Leaven
- Continuation of teacher training with two teachers beginning Level four ECD and the Principal beginning Level five ECD training
- Attendance of the Principal at a four day “Farming God’s way” Vegetable Garden Training Course
- Completion of the ECD Center’s application for registration with the Department of Education (pending)
- Enrolment of Principal in First Aid Course due late March 2022
- Design and ordering of a new school uniform in partnership with Philangethemba NPO, Lower Molweni
- Supply of countless car loads of perishable and non-perishable food, nappies, cleaning supplies, books and toys whilst we work towards government registration and support
- Successful first harvest of vegetables from the center’s veggie garden
- Implementation of a Dietician designed menu plan
“Where flowers bloom, so does HOPE.”
Upcoming Plans:
- Thrift Store based alongside the Creche and serving the community …watch out on social media for news!
- Creation of a local library … under discussion
Wish List:
- Ablution block with three cubicles
- Two wooden huts to be used as a kitchen and classroom
- Jungle Gym
- Lawn
- Outdoor children’s benches and tables
Othandweni Update
Achievements:
- Support of one scholar on full Project Hope Bursaries which includes clothing as required, stationary, birthday gifts and full tuition. This child now attends a wonderful local creche
- Implementation of the “Little Issue” magazine into the classroom setting which focusses on the English language
- Implementation of Jive Media’s “Science Spaza” magazine into the classroom setting which focusses on Science
- Supply of school shoes to all children in need in partnership with individual donors and Inkanyiso School Shoes
- Design of Othandweni Logo
- Digging and preparation of vegetable garden in partnership with Kearsney College
- Delivery of a further fifteen chairs
- Fundraising of final amount needed to complete isiZulu Hut which will become the official Children’s Soup Kitchen and homework venue in the next month or so
- Health support of all four dogs on site. All four dogs are now sterilized and up to date with their annual vacinations thanks to Sarepta Church
- Supply of countless car loads of perishable and non-perishable food whilst we work towards sustainability on site
- Implementation of a Dietician designed menu plan
- Food parcels to child headed homes as required
Upcoming Plans:
- Completion of Children’s Soup Kitchen and official enrolment process of orphaned and vulnerable children into a program which offers homework assistance, nutritional support and much more
Wish List
- Perimeter and vegetable garden fencing
- External Paint
“When the whole world says give up – HOPE will whisper, try one more time – Listen”
Born again update
Achievements:
- Continued monthly support and monitoring of medication administration on site to all children with disabilities
- Implementation of the “Little Issue” magazine into the classroom setting which focusses on the English language and provides much needed constructive entertainment
Upcoming Plans:
- Easter Egg party!
“HOPE MEANS HOPING EVEN WHEN THINGS SEEM HOPELESS.”
Senathi Creche Update
Achievements:
- Attendance of one teacher at a four day “Farming God’s way” vegetable gardening course
- Introduction of the main teacher to both Principals at both Siyamdumisa and Othandweni projects as part of the team culture of Project Hope
Upcoming Plans:
- Strategic planning meeting to take place April 2022
Wish List:
- Full ECD Centre infrastructure (land is owned yet the creche is currently making use of temporary facility). They only own a few tables and chairs and the need for a creche in this underserved area is desperate
other programs
- Clothing Project: four woman are supporting their children through the sale of second hand clothing in partnership with Project Hope
- Collaboration with other organisations including 10000 strong,Community build Durban computer. OWBCI, Hillcrest MethodistChurch, Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust, Hearts in Hands Foodbank and many more
recent events
In March we held our first ever Ladies’ Breakfast Fundraising Event. What a success! Thank you to everyone who sponsored a prize, donated towards the day, helped out and made it a success. A special thank you to the Library Bistro who went out of their way to host this morning, and to our dear Kirsten McGregor who made the magic happen in amongst a full time job, kids and a husband. Thanks to teamwork, we reached our target and are busy completing our Children’s Soup Kitchen in Embo. We cant wait for the roof to be built in April!
thank you
- The Cool Lemon for sponsorship of all our graphic and printing needs so that we may uphold a professional image
- Hillcrest corner for our recent R2000 shopping voucher
- Hillcrest Methodist Church for supporting our work
- Our three individual bursary sponsors
- Each and every person that gives of their heart, time or belongings so that we may bring HOPE to the children of the Valley of 1000 Hills
upcoming plans:
- Next fundraiser – “Hidden” Project Hope Breakfast (April TBC)
- Opening of a Thrift store in KwaNyuswa in May
- Stall at Hillcrest Primary School Fair in May
Please contact us if you would like to get involved
- Consider buying a Project Hope keyring
- Donate gently used second hand clothing or household items
- Monetary donations
- Volunteer (we have many needs)
- Join our mailing list to keep up to date
- Donate an item as per the wish lists above
- Have an idea – we always welcome your input
Contact us: sara@projecthope.org.za or Whatsapp: 082 501 8008
