Education support for children in South Africa

I am writing this report as we are awaiting the matric results for our final year high school students that we will be supporting on to higher education and training going into 2020!

As said in the last report such young people are part of an independent living project assisting those in residential care moving forward to becoming self-sufficient young adults. The rationale between this has been the rate of young people who do not achieve positive outcomes due to not having enough of a support network in the community. Through this project we now have seen young people go on to enrol at university and higher education providers, involved in sports management, radio production and presenting, teaching, hospitality & catering and business to name a few. We also have young people in full time employment.

This gives the assurance to our supporters that there are longer term benefits for investing in those we care for in that the mechanisms are in place to truly ensure true potential is achieved!

Having said this we also still cater for children now as young as 3 years old at our child and youth care centre (named "Siyakatala" as an isiXhosa word for 'we really care') which also means we are investing in early childhood education as well. Part of my work role being based in the country is ensuring every child receives therapeutic, developmental, recreational and caring services and of course education remains a highly significant aspect of each child and young person’s care plan!

Of course there has been a lot of fun and celebration for children over the festive period which is a bittersweet time for many as those children who are orphaned, abandoned or with highly unfavorable family circumstances do not have an opportunity to visit “family” at what is often thought of as a key family time of the year. Yet there were highlights that took place including children attending a cricket match at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth through Eastern Province Cricket and attending workshops and shows made possible through the PE Gilbert & Sullivan Society. The Rotary Club also supported our children and young people alike with gifts through their Tree of Joy project. Special moments like this create amazing memories for our children who often have never received a Christmas gift before coming into care!

So of course now is the very busy time of year where next week the 2020 school year officially starts in South Africa and where I am still getting the final items needed to ensure each child looks their best and is fully kitted out with the requirements of their specific schools! As such if you are looking for a time to give a donation please note that it is most appreciated doing it now while we are trying to get everything in place for this school year!

The other set of good news to share is that (on a personal note!) I have been recently recognized in the Queens New Years Honours 2020 with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young people in South Africa! This medal itself is awarded for meritorious civil service worthy of recognition by the crown inclusive of commonwealth countries. Of course this is so special and I can only hope that it will raise awareness of the on-going work we are doing as I share the achievement with the resilient young people I have the pleasure of working with on a daily basis who to me are true heroes!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support! Now here’s to making 2020 our best year yet!

Links:

• Official Charity Website
• Article of Harrison Nash named in Queens New Years Honours