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  <channel>
    <title>GlobalGiving.org: Soul of Africa</title>
    <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508a.html</link>
    <description>Progress Reports for Project #2508 on GlobalGiving.org</description>
    <item>
      <title>Mnamatha Building update part 4</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA10771/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-mnamatha-buil/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/pic_1_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;PROGRESS ON BUILDING AT MNAMTHA SCHOOL, KWA-ZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA&amp;hellip;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;After the Blessing of the Mnamatha School building last month, building of the toilets and classrooms quickly got underway &amp;ndash; great excitement ensued a little frustration as builders faced problems not unusual to projects in rural South African Townships.&amp;nbsp; This, however, did not deter builders and the Clarks, Soul Of Africa Mnamatha Project is fully underway.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;The Clarks Kicking for Soul Of Africa Campaign over the World Cup Period has enabled Soul Of Africa to bring a positive change to this little school in Botha&amp;rsquo;s Hill, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa where the HIV / AIDS pandemic is waging war.&amp;nbsp; Clarks donated 50p on their children&amp;rsquo;s training shoe brand called CICA, to Soul Of Africa for the specific use on the Mnamatha School Project.&amp;nbsp; The total amount raised throughout the duration of the campaign has been an incredible R580 000.00 (&amp;pound;50,000.00).&amp;nbsp; This money is being used to build a new toilet block for the children who (all 441 of them) are sharing 6 noxious portable toilets (see Clarks Kicks for Soul Of Africa World Cup Campaign Huge Success Press release on &lt;a href="http://www.soulofafricacharity.org"&gt;www.soulofafricacharity.org&lt;/a&gt;); 2 staff toilets, a new classroom and a brand new computer room.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;The first hurdle builders faced was NO water!&amp;nbsp; Someone in the community thought it was a rather good idea to tap into the schools water system and divert the water from the school to their home instead of having to pay for water.&amp;nbsp; The local council has been very supportive and the problem should be rectified by this week.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;The new classroom and computer room were going to be built onto the existing classroom structures, but when the foundations to the existing classrooms were checked - there weren&amp;rsquo;t any!&amp;nbsp; Nothing deters the Mnamatha Builders (who are part of the community), so, an extra two walls have been built, and both of the classrooms will be free-standing units.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Despite the hurdles faced, the energy at Mnamatha is unmistakable, and excitement grows on a daily basis, as Patrick (Mnamatha&amp;rsquo;s Headmaster), staff, pupils and Soul Of Africa watch the building progress that is going to make such a big difference in these children&amp;rsquo;s lives.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;More information about the Mnamatha, Clarks Project can be found online at hyperlink &lt;a href="http://www.soulofafricacharity.org"&gt;http://www.soulofafricacharity.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something&amp;hellip;. Author unknown&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA10772/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-mnamatha-buil/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/pic2_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <enclosure url="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/pic_1.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
      <enclosure url="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/pic2.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:36:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2011-02-21T11:36:48Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Clarks Kicks for Soul of Africa World Cup a Huge Success Part 3</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clarks Kicks for Soul of Africa World Cup a Huge Success Part 3&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;By now I&amp;rsquo;ve created quite a stir and have a small group of children all wanting to tell me just how much of a difference Clarks are making in their lives.&amp;nbsp; Patrick tells them that its time to go back into class but I stop him and ask if I could chat to just a few more of the children.&amp;nbsp; Patrick agrees but gives the children a stern look.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;You should be in class learning but I suppose this is a special occasion,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Lanky and tall, Sanele Ndlovu, aged 14 tells me in broken English that he lives with his mum and two brothers aged 16 and 18.&amp;nbsp; Sanele&amp;rsquo;s big dark eyes are shy yet filled with determination. &amp;ldquo;There are too many kids and too few toilets so I&amp;rsquo;m very happy to have new ones.&amp;nbsp; The old ones smell really bad and I don&amp;rsquo;t like to go to them,&amp;rsquo; says Sanele, &amp;ldquo;I am excited about the new classroom and computer room as I will be able to do projects on new computers which will help me become a teacher when I grow up&amp;rdquo;.&amp;nbsp; There are currently 58 children in Sanele&amp;rsquo;s classroom.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Sanele Ndlovu&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4044_Small.jpg?changed=2010285042447614" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Londeka Mthiyane, aged 13 lives with her mum, 3 sisters and 3 brothers.&amp;nbsp; Patrick tells me that Londeka has the potential to go far as she is such a diligent student.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;I don&amp;rsquo;t like the old toilets as the smell and are dirty.&amp;nbsp; Dirty children don&amp;rsquo;t flush them properly and there are no taps to wash your hands.&amp;nbsp; I&amp;rsquo;m very happy to have new toilets,&amp;rdquo; Londeka tells me.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;A new classroom will mean more space and less kids in one class so more time learning with the teacher&amp;rdquo;, says Londeka, &amp;ldquo;and I feel glad that we will have a computer room as I can have more knowledge than I have as it will help me find out more information.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Pulling her shoulders back, Londeka proudly says, &amp;ldquo;I want to be a nurse when I leave school and learning computer will help me get a job.&amp;nbsp; I want to help people as lots of people are sick and with disease&amp;rdquo;.&amp;nbsp; Londeka currently has 63 children in her classroom.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Londeka Mthiyane&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4049_Small.jpg?changed=2010285042553988" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;I hear Patrick bellow from behind me, &amp;ldquo;Right children!&amp;nbsp; Back to class &amp;ndash; you need to be learning!&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; But Ntombenhle Cibane has her feet firmly plated in the dusty ground and she&amp;rsquo;s determined that she&amp;rsquo;s not going back to class until she tells me her story.&amp;nbsp; I smile at Patrick&amp;rsquo;s defeated look as this feisty little girl with the huge smile starts telling me how grateful she is to Clarks and Soul Of Africa for giving them what they need most.&amp;nbsp; Aged 12, Ntombenhle lives with her mum, 1 sister and 2 brothers.&amp;nbsp; Her mum is unemployed and it is left up to Ntombenhle&amp;rsquo;s brother to provide for the family.&amp;nbsp; She proudly tells me that her big brother buys her school uniform for her.&amp;nbsp; Again a fleeting look of sadness passes through Ntombenhle&amp;rsquo;s eyes as she tells me she doesn&amp;rsquo;t know who her dad is.&amp;nbsp; This doesn&amp;rsquo;t last long and that big smile is back as I quickly change the subject by asking about the new toilet block.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;I am feeling so excited about new toilets because children write graffiti on the old ones and they smell really bad and make me feel dirty.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; On the new computer room Ntombenhle says, &amp;rdquo;I am happy for a new classroom as I don&amp;rsquo;t like to be squashed in class.&amp;nbsp; There is too much noise. Some kids don&amp;rsquo;t want to learn so make a lot of noise and trouble so the teacher has to deal with them.&amp;nbsp; If we have a smaller class we can learn more.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Ntombenhle currently has 63 children in her classroom.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Ntombenhle Cibane&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4052_Small.jpg?changed=2010285042634889" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below: Handover. Patrick, Stephanie Keast (Soul Of Africa General Manager) with pupils&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4432_Small.jpg?changed=2010285042721435" alt="" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;I watch silently as Father Madlala blesses the ground with holy water, and as we bow our heads in prayer I find my eyes fill with tears and I say thanks&amp;hellip; thanks to Clarks for the difference they are helping us make&amp;hellip; thanks&amp;hellip; that I am blessed enough to be part of the Soul Of Africa project&amp;hellip; to be given such an enormously wonderful opportunity to be able to bring change into the lives of children who have nothing not even the simple things in life&amp;hellip;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4032_Small.jpg?changed=201028504284233" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;ldquo;Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.&amp;nbsp; Happiness never decreases by being shared.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Buddha&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:40:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-10-12T08:40:21Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Clarks Kicks for Soul of Africa World Cup a Huge Success Part 2</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clarks Kicks for Soul of Africa World Cup a Huge Success part 2&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Next Patrick takes me to the proposed site for the new computer room that we&amp;rsquo;ll be building thanks to Clarks. &amp;ldquo;We are a Primary School with a High School next to us.&amp;nbsp; The High school has computers and when our children get there they are totally unprepared as most of them will never have turned a computer on before. &amp;nbsp;Some other primary schools in the area who join to the same High School will have a few computers so they have experience but our kids are left behind before they start,&amp;rdquo; says Patrick.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Housing 25 computer work stations, most of which have already been donated by a local bank, the computer room will help take this school to another level.&amp;nbsp; Unemployment in South Africa is rampant and these children need all the help they can get to prevent set backs later on in life.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Proposed site for new computer room&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_3995_Small.jpg?changed=2010285041935810" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;We will get a new computer person to come in and help teach the children, they will be able to teach other subjects so we will be able to&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;&amp;ldquo;kill 2 stones with one bird!&amp;rdquo;&lt;/em&gt;&amp;nbsp; I have the hugest smile on my face but don&amp;rsquo;t have the heart to correct Patrick&amp;rsquo;s mistake.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;I have already been talking to the local resource center so we can set up training courses,&amp;rdquo; he says.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;We will also allow the community to come in between 1.30 and 3.30pm so they can also benefit as the resource center will hold computer courses for older learners.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; As Patrick grins and puffs out his chest he says, &amp;ldquo;This will help all the children go further in life and allow them a better chance to get a job when they leave. &amp;nbsp;I feel so proud.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Patrick and pupils shouting their hello&amp;rsquo;s and thanks to all at Clarks.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4063_Small.jpg?changed=2010285042106975" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;The bell sounds end of lunchtime and as the children are trundling back to their classrooms, Patrick stops 13 year old pupil Purity Slungile and asks her in Zulu to tell me just how much the changes thanks to Clarks and Soul Of Africa, are going to be bringing to her life.&amp;nbsp; A tall girl with a shy smile Purity tells me in English that the old toilets are terrible and that she feels very happy to be having new ones.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;A new computer room means a lot to me as it means I can learn and get a better job when I leave school.&amp;nbsp; If I have a better job I can help my family to buy food and clothes.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; There are currently 63 children in Purity&amp;rsquo;s classroom.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;A new class room will mean we will have not so many children in one class so we can learn better and hear the teacher.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; When I ask about her family, I note a fleeting sadness in Purity&amp;rsquo;s eyes, &amp;ldquo;I live with my grandmother,&amp;rdquo; she says, &amp;ldquo;My dad died and my mum ran away.&amp;nbsp; I have a sister who is 18 and two brothers who are 15 and 13.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Purity Slungile&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4039_Small.jpg?changed=2010285042210960" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:36:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-10-12T08:36:02Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Clarks Kicks for Soul of Africa World Cup a Huge Success</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8217/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/Untitled_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clarks Kicks for Soul Of Africa World Cup a Huge Success PART 1&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;As I&amp;rsquo;m driving down toward the valley of Ndedwe, situated in Botha&amp;rsquo;s Hill, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, I&amp;rsquo;m struck by the breathtaking landscape as the sun rises, streaking the sky and valley below with life and colour.&amp;nbsp; Who would think that deep in the heart of this picturesque setting, lies a little school called Mnamatha, that is filled with children who are hungry for education, yet face so many stumbling blocks along the way.&amp;nbsp; As I drive through the school gate, my heart is filled with such joy as I watch Patrick Hlongwane&amp;rsquo;s (Mnamatha&amp;rsquo;s Headmaster) broad smile spread across his happy face as he rushes toward my car.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;I owe Dee my life for finding Soul of Africa and Clarks&amp;hellip; what they have done will make the difference to the lives of many, many children for years to come,&amp;rdquo; Patrick says grinning.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;We can&amp;rsquo;t say thank you enough!!!&amp;rdquo; says Pearl (the school librarian), jumping up and down with excitement.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Patrick Hlongwane, aged 51, Mnamatha&amp;rsquo;s Headmaster&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4060_Small.jpg?changed=2010285040821528" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;You see, it is thanks to the Clarks Kicking for Soul Of Africa Campaign over the World Cup Period that has enabled Soul Of Africa to bring a positive change to this little school.&amp;nbsp; Clarks have donated 50p on their children&amp;rsquo;s training shoe brand called CICA, to Soul Of Africa for the specific use on the Mnamatha School Project.&amp;nbsp; The total amount raised throughout the duration of the campaign has been an incredible R580 000.00 (&amp;pound;50,000.00).&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Armed with my camera and notebook, we walk past the overcrowded classrooms toward the existing toilet block.&amp;nbsp; I note that this is a happy school.&amp;nbsp; A school where there are on average 50 children packed into each classroom per grade &amp;ndash; yet they are happy and want to learn.&amp;nbsp; Although faced with many hardships over the years, the teachers and pupils alike smile broadly through broken windows and wave as I walk past.&amp;nbsp; There is an energy around me that lifts me up and makes me remember a saying by Christopher Reeve, &amp;ldquo;Once you choose hope&amp;hellip; Anything is possible!&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Thanks to Clarks we are able to make the changes to Mnamatha possible!&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4014_Small.jpg?changed=2010285040938267" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Mnamatha school has 441 children (junior and senior primary), 137 of these children are orphans losing their parents to the vicious AIDS pandemic in South Africa.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 11 of these children are from child headed households.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The number of AIDS orphans thrust into parenthood is soaring in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the hardest hit province in South Africa, long the hardest-hit nation in the world.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;As we near the existing toilet block the air is filled with the unmistakable stench of rotting human waste.&amp;nbsp; I find myself wanting to wretch while thinking how on earth it could be possible for these little ones (all 441 of them) to share 6 noxious portable toilets.&amp;nbsp; Not to mention the health hazards!&amp;nbsp; These toilets have clearly not been emptied in ages.&amp;nbsp; Stricken, Patrick tells me that these toilets have not been emptied in a very long time as the council has had no money to do so.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Says Patrick, &amp;ldquo;&amp;ldquo;We have applied for a toilet block from the government in 2001 and they said that they would put them in but we are still waiting&amp;hellip; 6 years later. &amp;nbsp;The local department hire's 6 portable toilets which they are supposed to come every Friday to service but sometimes they don&amp;rsquo;t come and we have to wait 2 weeks for them to be emptied. They are a terrible health and safety hazard to the kids as they are dirty and they smell.&amp;nbsp; The little ones can&amp;rsquo;t even reach the seats and the bigger kids don&amp;rsquo;t like to go in them so they go in the bush behind. &amp;nbsp;They don&amp;rsquo;t have water so they cant wash their hands afterwards. &amp;nbsp;Some kids will go home at break to go to the toilet rather than use the ones we have now and then they don&amp;rsquo;t always come back to school afterwards.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;I get my urge to empty my stomach contents onto the floor under control while silently saying prayers of thanks to Clarks over and over again.&amp;nbsp; You see, thanks to the Clarks / CICA campaign we are able to build a brand new toilet block (2 x 6 toilets) one for boys and one for girls as well as 2 staff toilets for teachers.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;The new block will be so much better and safer for the children&amp;rdquo;, says Patrick, &amp;ldquo;We will have running water and monitors from each year group to make sure they are kept in a nice condition. &amp;nbsp;Also the staff will have their own toilets which will be better.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Current toilet block&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4008_Small.jpg?changed=201028504113171" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Proposed site for new toilet block&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;﻿&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4026_Small.jpg?changed=2010285041319292" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;I breathe a huge sigh of desperate relief as Patrick steers me away from the stench of the toilets toward where the new classroom is going to be built.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; Proposed site for new classroom&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;﻿&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4002_Small.jpg?changed=2010285041425689" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;We are so short of space right now that the classes are over flowing with children,&amp;rdquo; says Patrick.&amp;nbsp; &amp;ldquo;A new classroom will let us take smaller groups that need more attention away from the big groups so each learner will have more teacher time. &amp;nbsp;Also when we have community meeting with the parents then we will have the space to meet properly instead of squashing into one classroom.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Looking down at the hard dirt ground Patrick tells me that having no play area, only dirt and dust areas, &amp;ldquo;I would like to maybe also put some chess sets and a basketball hoop in the new classroom so the kids have something to do at break times.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Just then someone sounds the old fashioned school bell and I watch as children spill out of their classrooms into the tiny, dusty &amp;lsquo;play area&amp;rsquo; for break time.&amp;nbsp; I watch as the older boys and girls stand around in groups talking and laughing while the younger children with boundless energy run around causing a mini dust-storm around everyone.&amp;nbsp; I feel my heart tug as I imagine what a difference a grass patch and a soccer ball or two to kick around will make to lunchtime for these children.&amp;nbsp; Simple things&amp;hellip; simple things that you and I take for granted&amp;hellip;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Below:&amp;nbsp; From left to right:&lt;/em&gt; Lunchtime queue for pre-school children to use the toilet.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4029_Small.jpg?changed=2010285041626451" alt="" /&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4058_Small.jpg?changed=2010285041648543" alt="" /&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4036_Small.jpg?changed=2010285041710823" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/changed_IMG_4057_Small.jpg?changed=201028504173851" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Washing hands in dripping rainwater caught in the Jo-Jo tank from a pipe leading off gutter of a classroom roof into the tank.&amp;nbsp; This is the only means for the children to wash their hands.&amp;nbsp; If there is no rain they cannot wash their hands.&amp;nbsp; There is one tap on the school property, which is only used for drinking water for the children.&amp;nbsp; Crowded dusty play area during breaktime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8218/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4060_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8219/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4014_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8220/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4008_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8221/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4026_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8222/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4002_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8223/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4029_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8224/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4058_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8225/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4036_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8226/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4057_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8227/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_3995_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8228/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4063_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8229/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4039_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8230/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4041_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8231/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4044_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8232/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4049_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8233/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4052_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8234/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4432_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA8235/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-clarks-kicks/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/IMG_4032_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:59:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-10-12T07:59:08Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Soul Of African gives unemployment the boot!</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA7102/soul-of-africa-stitcher-photo-from-progress-report-soul/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/homepagestitchingpic_Small.jpg' alt='Soul Of Africa Stitcher'style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center; color: #888888; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Soul Of Africa Stitcher&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;South Africa’s jobless rate rose unexpectedly to a five-year peak in the first quarter.  Officials blame this on seasonal factors and the end of the World Cup preparations. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The official unemployment rate climbed to 25,2% from 24,3% in the final quarter of last year, despite the economy's recovery, Statistics SA said yesterday. (Business Day 5 May 2010)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa, is providing a long-term solution to unemployment, by creating self-sustainable employment – employment that is permanent – in South Africa. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa creates self-sustainable employment for previously unemployed women in South Africa.  These women are trained to hand-stitch products which in turn lead to the transferral of skills, giving them the self empowering ability to look after their families and provide essential healthcare. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa is a non-profit charity organization, and, although profit is made, it is all donated back toward the care and upkeep of orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS in South Africa.  To date Soul Of Africa has raised over R10million which has all been ploughed back into South African communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Unemployment increased by 145000 to 4,3-million, which means that one in four of SA's workforce of 12,8-million is without a job.  When discouraged job seekers, those who have given up looking for work, are included, SA's jobless rate rose to 35,4% from 34,2% in last year's fourth quarter.  That would take the number of unemployed people to a staggering 6,1-million, or a third of the workforce. 
"These figures are very disappointing," said Stanlib economist Kevin Lings. "I would describe SA's unemployment rate as a crisis, which contributes massively to social unrest."  
The Congress of South African Trade Unions said it was "shocked" at the figures, which showed that where workers were concerned the country was still grappling with recession.
Brait economist Colen Garrow said that although President Jacob Zuma 's government was taking the right steps to create jobs, it would be a decade before the real benefits were reaped.  (Business Day 5 May 2010)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Says Sarah Gedye, co-founder of Soul Of Africa and owner of local footwear manufacturer Froggie Shoes, “It’s no use creating temporary employment, it’s a quick fix that doesn’t last.  The solution to the unemployment crisis in South Africa is to creating self-sustainable employment and that’s exactly what Soul Of Africa successfully strives to do.”
The Soul Of Africa hand-stitchers are earning double the average urban income in South Africa which is approximately R1,340.00 per month, earned by domestic workers.  They are able to support and provide for their families, earning R2,604.00  per month by hand stitching Soul Of Africa products such as genuine leather shoes, t-shirts, footballs and notebooks.  Soul Of Africa products are sold in South Africa as well as international retailers such as Clarks and NEXT.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;42-year-old Octavia Msani who has been struggling to raise her three children as well as two of a sister who died of ADS says, “Thanks to the Soul Of Africa project, I can now make my way in life.”  “I’m feeling happy because the shoes make our lives more possible, now I know that if I die from AIDS my children will have good care and a good education,” says another of the stitchers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa ARE changing lives in Africa without expecting a hand out, their passion and commitment are instrumental in ensuring their projects constant progression and success – Soul Of Africa is working!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More information about Soul Of Africa can be found online at hyperlink http://www.soulofafricacharity.org
or contact Leigh on 082 337 0400 or Sarah on 031 450 0200&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Links:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.soulofafricacharity.org"&gt;African Charities&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:07:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-08-18T02:07:19Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Soul Of Africa's Soles firmly on the ground!</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;More than 500 000 South Africans, many of them women and children, could be plunged into further desperation as many of South Africa’s charities battle a funding crisis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Industry experts revealed that charity organizations, which represent 30% of social services in South Africa, would have R3-billion less to spend on crucial causes this year because of the recession.  Child Welfare South Africa told the Sunday Times it was in ‘crisis’ and that there would be a ‘catastrophic impact’ on half a million children if charities did not receive a bailout from government.  Some children’s homes have been forced to turn away an increased number of abandoned children. (Sunday Times SA July 2009)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Despite the recession, We - Soul Of Africa are still fulfilling our duty to provide sustainable employment and care for orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa.  After a 5 -year adventure of commitment and obligation we are still changing lives in South Africa without expecting a hand out.  Our passion and commitment are instrumental in ensuring our projects constant progression and success – Soul Of Africa works!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We are Soul Of Africa.  What fuels us is the belief that we can make a difference in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS in South Africa, whilst tackling unemployment through the sale of hand-stitched shoes.
Our purpose is to create self-sustainable employment by teaching previously unemployed women in South Africa to hand-stitch shoes, therefore earning them a living as well as teaching them valuable skills.
Our aim is to improve the lives of as many orphans and vulnerable children – most of these affected by HIV / AIDS - in South Africa as possible.  What really makes us believe that we are on the right track is that we have successfully helped 39 projects and have raised R10,491,000.00 (**$1,275,970.00; £783,228.00) toward the care of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS, since we opened our doors 5-years ago. 
We are passionate about what we do and we strongly believe that with your help we can make a difference.  Help us fight the war against unemployment and AIDS in South Africa by buying a pair of Soul Of Africa Shoes.  By buying a pair of Soul Of Africa Shoes, you could be instrumental in helping to change the lives of unemployed women and vulnerable children in South Africa. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More information about Soul Of Africa can be found online at www.soulofafricacharity.org
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:02:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-08-18T02:02:03Z</dc:date>
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      <title>NEXT fund new stitching centre for Soul Of Africa</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA7059/next-hand-over-cheque-to-soul-of-africa-photo-from-prog/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/DSC01166_Small.JPG' alt='Next hand over cheque to Soul Of Africa'style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center; color: #888888; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Next hand over cheque to Soul Of Africa&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;In helping non-profit charity organization Soul Of Africa expand and improve their operations, NEXT has generously funded £15,000 ($25,112) toward the building of a stitching centre for Soul Of Africa stitchers in South Africa.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa creates self-sustainable employment by teaching previously unemployed women hand-stitching of products, therefore earning them a living as well as teaching them valuable skills.  A percentage of the manufacturing profits are donated toward the care and upkeep of orphans and children affected by AIDS in South Africa.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With Soul Of Africa expanding to create not only shoes but footballs, clothing, bags and wallets, it has become imperative that a stitching centre is opened to control production and to allow for development of new products on site.  Soul Of Africa general manager Stephanie Keast says, “Soul Of Africa are indebted to NEXT for the difference they are making to the project”, and, “The positive spin-off here is that Soul Of Africa will be able to create more long term employment in South Africa, where unemployment is a really big problem”. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;LEAP (Life Empowerment Action Programme), a non-profit charity organization who’s mission is similar to Soul Of Africa’s: to uplift and assist poor communities and therefore alleviate poverty and unemployment in South Africa, are funding the balance of the building costs. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa are passionate about what they do and they strongly believe that with your help they can make a difference.  Help Soul Of Africa fight the war against unemployment and AIDS in South Africa by buying a pair of Soul Of Africa Shoes.  By buying a pair of Soul Of Africa Shoes, you could be instrumental in helping to change the lives of unemployed women and vulnerable children in South Africa. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More information about Soul Of Africa can be found online at hyperlink http://www.soulofafricacharity.org&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Links:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.soulofafricacharity.org"&gt;Soul Of Africa&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <enclosure url="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/DSC01166.JPG" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:53:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-08-18T01:53:55Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>With your help we are able to achieve our dreams and goals...</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA4689/soul-of-africa-photo-from-progress-report-with-your-hel/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/Globalgivingpic_Small.jpg' alt=''style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa continues to advance its mission of making a difference in the lives of thousands of orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS in South Africa, whilst tackling unemployment through the sale of our shoes.  Through the selling of Soul Of Africa shoes we have seen many lives change for the better.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In particular, Soul Of Africa has enjoyed great success in the past year.  Shoe sales for Spring/Summer 2010 have increased from 10,620 pairs last season to 11,200 pairs (Clarks UK) and from 1.032 pairs to 5,113 pairs (Clarks factory).  Clarks is to continue to make a difference in Soul Of Africa.  With YOUR help we will continue to see improvements.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Myekeni Child Care Development Centre (Soul Of Africa’s latest CDCC) in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, SA is able to look after, teach and feed 40 children age 7, 37 children age 5 &amp; 6 and 20 children age 2 – 5.  These children, mostly from child headed households and affected by AIDS, are now being looked after and nurtured in a safe and loving environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soul Of Africa has built a skills development centre to train and teach pupils and members of the community in Molweni KZN.  The tribal leaders (Induna’s) from the community of Molweni have asked that their thanks be passed onto you.  “Thanks to your help, Philangethemba, which means living through hope, will turn our dream of helping the youth of Molweni find employment, into a reality”.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The loss of family to HIV AIDS, poverty and abuse are just some of the reasons children end up on the streets.  Growing up on the streets, the majority of these children are subjected to hunger, fighting prostitution and substance abuse.  Substance abuse, mostly glue-sniffing, is common as it is cheap, puts hunger at bay and helps these children escape the nightmare of their world.  Despite the prevalence of substance abuse, most of the older children have taken on the role of parents to the younger ones, although there is no biological connection.  Soul Of Africa has been able to help Apollo Mweli aka StreetBoy, a man who has dedicated his life to the children of the street.  Say’s 13 year-old Sipho, one of the 85 street children that Apollo looks after, “Before Baba Apollo rescued us life was frightening and dangerous, now I am happy because I am loved, go to school, play football and have a full tummy.”    Thanks to Soul Of Africa, children like Sipho now have a home.  Thanks to all who support Soul Of Africa, Apollo now has a kitchen to cook for the children as opposed to cooking on a fire outside his house.  Thanks to you these children now have ablution facilities……  “I am so grateful to Clarks and Soul Of Africa, because without their help and the donations I received I would most certainly have failed at giving these children a new lease on life,” says Apollo.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A new stitching centre has been built for the Soul Of Africa stitchers. With unemployment rampant in South Africa, Soul Of Africa will now be able to create more long term employment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These are just some of the inspiring projects that Soul Of Africa has been able to fund.  With your help, Soul Of Africa has provided thousands of children just this past year with a place to live, learn and feel safe while creating self-sustainable employment for previously unemployed women in South Africa.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With Heartfelt Thanks
Lance Clark and All at Soul Of Africa&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <enclosure url="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/Globalgivingpic.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:16:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2010-02-08T17:16:52Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thank you to all our supporters!</title>
      <link>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</link>
      <description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="/photo/PRA2977/soul-of-africa-logo-photo-from-progress-report-thank-yo/"&gt;&lt;img src='http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/soul_pic_Small.GIF' alt='Soul of Africa Logo'style='margin: 5px;'/&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center; color: #888888; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6px;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Soul of Africa Logo&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style="overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;"&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thank you to all our supporters and to everybody who has so willingly contributed toward the Soul Of Africa Project…&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; Since Jan ’09 to May ’09 12,066 pairs of Soul Of Africa Shoes have been hand-stitched and sold in South Africa, UK and USA. The amount of R392,989 ($49,546; £30,366)  has been donated back to the Soul Of Africa Trust for donations to various projects.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A total of 7,794 ladies T-shirts have been sewn in South Africa for NEXT Clothing.  27,945 Baby T-shirts have been sewn in India  (third world country) for NEXT Clothing.  The total of R279,391 ($34,732; £21,766) has been donated by Next back to the Soul Of Africa Trust for donations to various projects. 
 
In total R672,380 ($84,948; £51,830) has been donated back to The Soul Of Africa Trust from Jan ’09 – May ’09.  Soul Of Africa has donated money (with funds raised in previous months in the period Jan ’09 – May ’09) to various projects totaling R1,138,229 ($144,118; £88,100), including: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; Soul Of Africa Trust Donations – Jan ’09 – May ’09:  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Children and Baby Homes:					R326,097 ($40,618; £25,430) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Child Development Care Centres:				R279,385 ($34,770; £21,757) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Building of Homes for Child Headed Households:			R55,000 ($6,839; £4,283) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Feedback Vehicle (delivery of food to various projects):		R60,000 ($7,469; £4,681) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Vincent St Paul (Unit for rape victims):				R15,000 ($1,867; £1,169) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;NOAH (Funding of a bereavement councillor):			R125,000 ($15,530; £9,737) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sports for Self Esteem and Wellbeing Projects:			R15,000 ($1,867; £1,169) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;School Fee Project- 144 Children received school fees, Stationary, uniforms and transport monies):			R262,747 ($32,640; £20,463)	 &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;TOTAL:							R1,138,229 ($144,118; £88,100   &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thanks to your help the Soul Of Africa stitchers are earning double the average urban monthly income in South Africa of R1,340 ($157.13; £103.20) per month, earned by domestic workers, and are able to support and provide for their families, earning R2,604.00 ($304.98; £200.53) per month by hand stitching Soul Of Africa shoes, clothing and footballs. 
 
Soul Of Africa would like to thank you all for your generosity in making this project a success.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.soulofafricacharity.org" www.soulofafricacharity.org for more information on the Soul Of Africa Project. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please let us know what you think of this update by providing feedback on our comments section.
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <enclosure url="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/2508/soul_pic.GIF" type="image/gif" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:27:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.globalgiving.org/pr/2600/proj2508d.html#progressReportLink</guid>
      <dc:creator>Leigh Booysen</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-06-01T18:27:36Z</dc:date>
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