Fund Life-Changing Education for 201 African Kids

It has been a busy quarter for Ikhayalethemba Village with two main focuses – placement of children with special needs as well preparation for registering the NPO with the government.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, GVI worked closely with Ikhayalethemba and its director to find alternative placement for the residential children who are currently placed at the Home of Hope. The children are originally placed at the sanctuary with the intention of only staying for a short period of time, as a safe place for the children to live and learn whilst social services find a long-term placement for them. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process but with the year coming to an end, the majority of the children have now received long-term placement either with their families or at alternative sustainable facilities who offers the professional care needed.

Having a facility with less children will further provide Ikahyalethmeba Sancturay with the time and resources needed to work on getting their Non-profit organisation registered with the government to receive long-term funding. This is a time-consuming process, but Ikhayalethema are well on their way. During this quarter, the NPO has identified an urban planner to assist them in drawing the plans of the land, documentation which is needed in the registration process. The deposit is paid, and the directors are now waiting on the signed document to be able to continue. In addition to this, all buildings on the property must meet the standards of the fire department. In early December, the fire inspector visited Ikhayalethemba to provide guidance and assistance in identifying potential hazards which is now guiding the work of electricians who are to be contracted.

Finally, GVI has worked closely with the Directors to assist them to sustainably be able to fund their heart-warming initiative. As part of this learning process, GVI assisted in sourcing a web-designer who was willing to donate his time in developing a new, fresh website which can be linked to their Facebook account – a must in fundraising efforts. The draft is up and all that is missing is the text and pictures which are to be placed on the dynamic and informative website which can be reached from all corners of the world and allow the opportunity to anyone to donate to the great cause that Mama Lumka is fighting for at the townships outside of Cape Town.

Whilst there is a long way to go for Ikhayalethemba, we would not be able to provide them with the financial support needed to be able to provide a safe and educational space for the residential children who are still awaiting placement, whilst working with the founders to develop a long-term, sustainable and independent funding strategy. With this in mind, I would like to thank all of you who have donated to this cause and who continue to support the incredible work of the wheelbarrow lady.

Yours Sincerely,

Ikhayalethemba