Education is the Key for our 22 Children in JHB

As reported the last time, we're preparing to move into a new home that was donated to us, but contrary to my expectations in the last report we were hoping to move in by end-February. As is always the case with renovations the work moves slower that anticipated, and there are always unexpected snags. But we're making good progress (as you'll see from the attached photos) and we now have a target of moving in during April.

Apart from hiring contractors to carry out the construction part of the work, we have a team of willing volunteers who will be doing a host of smaller tasks from painting walls, to hanging curtains, to fixing cupboards, and the list is endless. And in case you think this is a job for the young volunteers, our oldest helper is John who turned 87 last month and has been working tirelessly on the kitchen cupboards and doors for the past 2 weeks.(Photo attached.)

As education is one of our key focuses this move will open up a host of opportunities to help our children due to the location of the new home. Many who were prepared to help in the past (e.g. retired school teachers) were reluctant to visit us at our current home due to safety reasons, but now they are queuing up to give extra lessons and help with homework in the new house. Plus we have educational psychologists who are prepared to donate some of their time to help the kids work through many of the traumas they have experienced before being placed with us.

So the excitement is rising as the children (and house parents) look forward to the big move, and we look forward to sharing our excitement with you in subsequent reports.

Best regards

Paul 

Links:

• Thandanani House of Refuge