Dear supporters and friends of iKamva Labantu
Our October Buzz includes exciting news of our building projects that have come to fruition over the past two months and which provide safe space for a variety of activities. Many of these buildings or improvements to current structures are funded by generous donors who respond to community needs for places of care, learning, companionship and safety. With this in mind, we are developing Multi-Purpose Centres, concentrated hubs on single sites, where appropriate activities for young children, youth and seniors can be accommodated.
Youth Buzz
October saw the launch at the Rainbow Multi-purpose Centre in Gugulethu of our brand-new computer facility, generously sponsored by Truworths. Each month a basic computer-literacy course will be offered by specially appointed qualified facilitators at the centre, to both school-going and post-school youth. Not only will participants be taught how to use a computer, but they will also learn about pertinent youth topics and life skills. Once they have completed the course, they will be able to use the centre as a means to complete assignments, look for jobs and complete CVs. This is a wonderful opportunity for youth to learn skills that their more privileged counterparts take for granted.
Seniors
Moving to the other end of the age spectrum... towards the end of September, we opened the Atrium at Masiphumelele, another of our Multi-purpose Centres at Brown's Farm, Philippi. Over 150 people, ranging from seniors, members of the surrounding community, iKamva Labantu staff and government officials attended. The Atrium was built as a meditation or meeting room by our donor Stichting MAX Maakt Mogelijk, a Dutch organisation that we affectionately refer to as MAX. MAX is headed up by a well-known Dutch TV personality, Jan Slagter, who was at the opening with a camera crew, who filmed the event for Dutch TV. One of our highlights was that we were able to host a Marimba band, which was rousing entertainment for our visitors.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Our FSS team participated in a National Summit on Crime Against Children. Several of the 'vulnerable children' were major role players, telling their stories in groups and discussing the issues that affect them regarding crime. The participation of our children contributed to the great success of the event.
Four vulnerable children from iKamva Labantu's foster homes were invited to Parliament to witness Public Hearing on the implementation of 11 years of the Domestic Violence Act. FSS invited a representative from the Department of Home Affairs to the monthly meeting of Siyakhathala, our foster mothers' forum, to provide information on applications for grants, and to share with our mamas how the department works.EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Nolungile Educare in Phillipi has been a long-standing member of iKamva Labantu's iThemba Labantwana forum. Last month, we demolished their old decrepit shack, which was being used as the classroom, and put up two brand-new structures. Nolungile is now a safe, healthy and weatherproof environment for our young developers. We aim to improve the ECD sites to allow all our children the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential.
Four vulnerable children from iKamva Labantu’s foster homes were invited to Parliament to witness Public Hearing on the implementation of 11 years of the Domestic Violence Act.
FSS invited a representative from the Department of Home Affairs to the monthly meeting of Siyakhathala, our foster mothers’ forum, to provide information on applications for grants, and to share with our mamas how the department works.
Thank you, as always…
iKamva Labantu appreciates your ongoing concern and friendship. People such as yourselves inspire our township communities with hope for the future.
With our warm wishes
The iKamva Labantu Team