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29 September 2007
Dear Friends and Supporters
This is
a special report on recent
improvements made at Noluthando Educare. As we reported in our May
newsletter, the Dutch NGO Wings of Support committed funds to
address one of the most
urgent needs of Noluthando – the construction of a toilet block and a kitchen for the
preparation of meals for the children.
Noluthando
also received a new classroom, many thanks to Breadline
Africa who donated
two used shipping containers, which were joined and adapted for use
as a classroom.
What
has happened with these funds is describe by Mahira Sheikh, a volunteer from
Malta who supervised the improvements, in the following farewell letter:
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Dear Everyone,
It seems
that it was only yesterday writing to you that I have been
placed in Noluthando for 3 months. That time has gone by and
today is my last day at the office. It is a very strange
feeling -- part of you wants to remain here, part of you
wants to go home! yesterday we had a celebration at
Noluthando -- all the donors were invited, together with the
children and their parents.
The
celebration started at around 1pm and the people who came
could see the positive work that has been done:
The Roof. When the
containers were joined, the roof started leaking. This was
fixed with Breadline Africa's help. It doesn't leak anymore
now and thus we could also continue with works on the
inside.
The Flooring. The floor tiles
inside look just gorgeous! This was only possible because
JDI donated money for it. Apart from this we also managed to
get cubby
holes where the children put their bags now, some posters
and toys.
Toilet
Block. This was completely rebuilt Indigo
Cosmetics made this possible. Three kiddie toilets and an
adult toilet, together with 3 wash basins are now in use.
This took quite a long time to finish because of the
concrete floor, tiling, plumbing and to install the toilets.
But it is now a really cute one :-)
Paving
Outside. The area between the toilet block and the
crèche was paved. This has helped the kids immensely. Prior
to this the steps they had were made of concrete blocks
which was really inadequate. Now, hey have a little runaway
and surely the danger of them getting hurt is minimized! The
paving gave the crèche a whole new look!
Painting.
We also painted the containers. They are now a darkish
pink colour and I also put some animals - ducks, and a lion!
I believe that this gave it a bit of character. I guess you
can see the pictures for yourselves!
Apart from
these there were many "minor" things at the office - calling
people, writing letters, driving to get volunteers, and so
on!
I would like
to take the opportunity to thank SAEP for placing me in
Noluthando - As much as I have helped out I have learned. I
will never forget this experience, and I am sure, that you
who are reading this have never forgotten Noluthando!!
Mahira
Sheikh (volunteer for Winter 2007)
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The principal and the staff in front of the old Noluthando Educare Centre
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Children inside
the new classroom. Note the attractive new tile floors.
Above: The exterior after painting.
Below: new toilets and wash basins.
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ON GOING NEEDS
WE
CONTINUE TO NEED DONATIONS. SAEP AND THE CRÈCHES RELY ON YOU! LEND A HAND
IN HELPING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES FOR THESE CHILDREN. DONATIONS OF ALL SORTS ARE
APPRECIATED. IF YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.
EMAIL: janekeen@worldonline.co.za
Or call on
021 685
3431
WE LOOK
FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
MANY THANKS!
Jane Keen
South African
Education and Environment Project |
