School for 25 at-risk children in South Africa

We are so grateful for the support Love to Langa receives for scholarships, which enables children to attend school who would otherwise not have the opportunity. Here is an update about two children.

Zizo is a grade R learner in Teacher Zamirin's class at Mfuleni Early Childhood Centre. Principal Sandra says, “What a treasure she is. Sadly, her mother died and she and her brother live with their grandmother, who has become everything to them. They manage with a government grant her Gran receives monthly. Her father is unemployed and stays in a shack in someone's backyard. Her brother is in grade 1 now and was also supported last year by Love to Langa.”

Over at Philippi Children’s Centre, where we are about to begin construction of the Love to Langa Swimming Academy, we find Juanicka, a four year old in Teacher Patronella’s Springbokke class.

Patronella shares, “Juanicka is an independent girl and has started coming out of her shell a lot since the start of the New Year. She enjoys working with the animal puzzles in the art area. Her father is currently unemployed and her mother works on the farm. She has three older siblings, a sister in grade 2 and two brothers who do not attend school. Her mother just found out that she is unexpectedly pregnant. They live in an RDP house in Heinz Park Mitchells Plain, which does not have running water or a toilet. Juanicka comes from a very impoverished background. Her parents rely a lot on the support of family and neighbors to help with daily essentials. Her father is looking for work and has not had much luck. Considering everything that her parents are going through, Juanicka is seldom absent and comes to school clean. Despite her challenges, she is doing well in school.”

Thanks again for making it possible for these two precious girls to have a safe, nurturing place to go each day!