Welcome to our August newsletter. In it, we’ve tried to convey the exciting and eventful month at iKamva Labantu. We hope you enjoy the read.
Best regards
The Ikamva Labantu team
Sew far, sew good
Those of you who have used a hotbox for cooking slow stews will know how effective they are. For those who haven't, a hotbox is an innovative, energy-efficient and economical way of cooking. It is made up of sewn-together insulating fabric, as well as a top and bottom cushion, which act as a box over a pot or casserole dish. The hotbox allows for continued cooking, long after the pot has been brought to boiling point and, as such, reduces electricity usage and the risk of household fires. A group of seniors from four of iKamva Labantu Seniors' Clubs have been selected to be trained in there manufacture. The trainer is a grandmother who previously worked as a machinist in a sewing factory. She will teach her students to make hotboxes and other sewn items, and also how to follow sewing patterns. It's a win-win situation in that the grandmothers of the community are learning useful skills, which will ultimately allow them to generate additional income for their families.
Working together against crime
On 13 and 14 August a Mini Crime & Safety Summit was held at the Rainbow Centre Gugulethu with the Department of Social Development. We divided 58 attendees into three groups: 12 to 14-year-olds, 15 to 18-year-olds and a parents group, comprising 28 adults. The summit proved to be a great success and the upshot was that mothers and children are willing to work together with government to fight crime and keep communities safe.
Check mate!
On 15 August 2009, 19 eager Chess4Hope players participated in the DSK (Deutsche Internationale Schule Kapstsatadt) school tournament. The participants ranged from nine to 12 years old - except for Sizwe Petersen, who is only in Grade 2! Sizwe, who follows his older cousin to chess practice every week, is committed to chess lessons; we are very proud of him! The Chess4Hope learners dominated in the U-10 and U-12 sections, attaining the top six positions in the U-10 section. Bongiwe Mbulawa received first place and won the overall junior section; Kuhle Mbiko was in second place and Bongiwe Makubela third place. All three of these learners have been chosen for the junior Western Province Squad. Sizwe played in the U-10 section and still managed to score some points! From left: Kuhle Mbiko (second), Bongiwe Mbulawa (first) and Bongiwe Makubela (third).
Making a difference
On 15 August, 100 staff members from the Protea Hotel President loaded themselves, and all sorts of donations, into seven minivans and headed to six Educare Centres in Nyanga that are connected to iKamva Labantu. At each school, the Hotel President staff and an iKamva Labantu team member cleaned and painted the classrooms, planted a tree, put up curtains, donated mattresses, sheets and towels, and got to know the staff of the schools. iKamva Labantu enjoys bringing joy to the lives of others and we look forward to the next exciting event of this kind. A big “thank you” goes out to the Protea Hotel President, the Educare principals and the dedicated iKamva Labantu staff members.