By Louise Batty | Managing Director
Firstly, I want to welcome our new supporters to the KTD196 Community and also to thank EVERYONE for your continued support and excitement over our program.
Sitting here at the computer I sometimes feel in a bubble because I do not know what is happening with you? I don’t know if you are enjoying the feedback or the information? If you are feeling inspired and happy to know that there are people out here making a difference in others’ lives even if you struggle to? I don’t receive a lot of feedback however predominantly it is very positive what I do receive, so if you would like to drop me a line or send a quick message I will certainly respond.
One of the new developments of 2018 is that some Primary Schools and Churches are now inviting us to run our program from their venues. Previously when we had approach schools they were not interested but now because we have tackled some of the worst schools I the District, and there have been major behaviour change amongst the children, the teachers now want to know our secrets.
For those who enjoy graphs, I have added a couple of graphs to show our numerical history since we started this project in 2003. We have constantly had ebbs and flows which is the nature of development work. We also have extended our original borders from Greater Tzaneen Subdistrict to Limpopo province. We have a presence in 4 out of 5 Districts which is exciting.
As we look forward to 2019, we are excited for program expansion and great program success. We are working diligently to incorporate more evaluation tools to continue to remain on track with our goals and objectives. I do not want to bore you with all of the numbers, but if you any information and clarity just ask, you are invited to call or email me with any questions that you might have. I would love to speak with you and explain more of our program in details. As always, if you are even in the area, you are invited to come by for a tour and to meet our staff.
Below I have added some comments from some of our visitors and partners just like yourself also a testimonial from one of our UK volunteers who came to stay. Also I have added a video so you can see some of the activities our volunteers are engaged with. Games teach so many soft skills to children, they are a wonderful medium for learning and of course having fun.
Have a wonderful day
Louise
"The programme encourages children to stay in and return to school to get an education which is the only way they will be able to progress through life and break the cycle of poverty and crime. Their matric results show that KTD is successful in this area."
"Low overheads and administration costs and outcomes can be supported by statistics, careful management and good book keeping"
My name is Derryck and I come from London in the United Kingdowm,
During my time in Limpopo I got the chance to learn and work alongside
Keep The Dream196 are based within the Limpopo area and work with vulnerable children and orphans through a cubs and scouts movement.
KTD196 is changing children’s lives through different programs that are used to empower them mentally, physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
Due to not having enough community leisure facilities, children can become idle and disorderly and can get involved in various unruly activities which can lead to issues such as teen pregnancy and drug abuse. KTD196 cubs and scouts programs help keep the kids from going astray but not only do they empower the kids, KTD196 also involve the parents in every way possible in order to avoid challenging conflicts within the household.
I was mostly touched by the leaders recognition event which was an event organised as a Christmas party by myself and my team during our time in Limpopo. The aim of this event was to teach the children about the importance of gratitude but also to give them a chance to showcase what they have learnt throughout the year and also become creative in their own way.
We gave the children some useful things such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, sanitary pads for the girls, deodorants and more all wrapped in a form of 'Christmas gifts' and all the children were extremely happy to receive these. They all eagerly participated in the event and most of them said they had never had a Christmas party or seen a 'father Christmas'.
They were grateful for the gifts and the look on their faces as they received these really touched my heart, one child named Kgosi who lived across from my host mum mam Catherine hugged me and said "Please you must come back, I feel so happy nobody has ever done this for us...." I realised that even if I touch ONE person's life on a journey it's enough.
Be assured that every donation made to KTD196 is changing a child's life.
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