Education South Africa Project #16927

School for 25 at-risk children in South Africa

by Love to Langa

Project Report | Aug 30, 2018
Volunteer Report from an American Teacher

By Jonique Rance | Volunteer

Jonique and Teacher Caroline's class

This past summer, I decided to take a trip of a lifetime to South Africa. This trip wasn't my typical resort or swamped tourist destination; I wanted this trip to be a learning experience, meaningful and of course, fun. I wanted to seek opportunities that would allow me to use my educational skills and my love for children in much-needed areas of South Africa.

After months of searching and reaching out to organizations, I found Love to Langa on a travel blog and immediately reached out to the co-founder, Amy. She welcomed me to visit some of the projects the organization currently supports. One of the projects is with the Mfuleni Early Childhood Centre. Once in Cape Town, board member Kissmea drove me there and I met the principal, Sandra, who introduced me to the staff and teachers at the school. I was given an opportunity to pick a class to work with. Since I'm a Pre-Kindergarten teacher in Atlanta, GA, I decided to volunteer my time with the 4-6-year-old classroom and teacher Caroline. From the moment I walked into her classroom, she and the children made me feel welcome. Caroline is a very sweet, friendly, knowledgeable and inspirational person. She is passionate about teaching and enjoys every moment with her students. Working with Caroline was wonderful. To be working beside another early childhood educator who is passionate and willing to collaborate in sharing their ideas and knowledge was very special. During this time, we learned from each other. Her students taught me games and songs. I enjoyed sharing games and songs I use at home with them as well. Oh, I had an amazing time with Caroline and her students!

I am so glad to have discovered Love to Langa. Love to Langa is a great organization that is passionate about helping the townships of Cape Town. From teaching children how to swim to providing early childhood education and hosting teacher training workshops, Love to Langa has shown the people of South Africa that they are there to support them. We need more organizations like Amy's that help the children and the community as a whole. Many people know the old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," well, it takes amazing organizations and their supporters to uplift a community. I believe that's what Love to Langa is doing for the communities of Cape Town.

Teacher Caroline with gifts from Jonique

Jonique and Caroline

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Jun 6, 2018
Paying it Forward

By Sandra Lucas | Principal, Mfuleni ECD

New scholarship recipients

It is with joy in my heart that I have to acknowledge the generosity and support we have received from Love to Langa, our relationship spanning six years. To-date you have provided scholarships for orphans (parents having passed on due to AIDS, accidents, murder) and single mothers who struggle daily to feed their children. Not forgetting assisting our community who had their shacks go up in flames and you supplied them with provisions in a time when they had nothing. Our outings that the children look forward to annually, the educational equipment you donate. Your generosity and that of your donors does not stop. Last year, Love to Langa supported me with staff salaries to ensure my staff had a fantastic Christmas.

Because of all you do for the 220 children and staff at Mfuleni Early Childhood Centre, I was able to save money and am now able to contribute towards a new play area for the children. I am able to maintain the facilities and its due to you. However, you have made me want to PAY It FORWARD. I believe if good comes my way, I have a duty to pass it forward. That is what you taught me.

On June 11, 2018, I will be making soup for the community. We want to feed 3,000 people in Mfuleni Township. This will be in honour of Love to Langa who has taught us that if we receive, we need to give back.

Love Always,

Sandra Lucas, Principal Mfuleni ECD

PS Regarding Scholarships for 2018 at Mfuleni ECD:

Our selection of scholarships was not made by me, the principal, this year but by the teachers. Each teacher submitted a report of who they felt needed a scholarship as they are in daily contact with the parents and guardians. The teachers are the ones who notice what children come to school with e.g. broken shoes, who does not have a snack, who is neglected and what parents are at the end of their tether.

That is how the scholarship children were selected this year and I feel proud of my teachers who proved they could be fair with their selection process.

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Mar 12, 2018
Monkeying around with some of our students

By Amy Ostroff | President, Love to Langa

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