By Khayelihle Moyo | Donor Relations
Previously, we shared news of upcoming projects, our exciting fourth anniversary and how to continue contributing to the growth of our students. With so much exciting news to share this time around, we will capture as much as possible.
Lead Us Today Student Expo 2014
As per tradition, we round up our programs cycle through holding an annual event that celebrates our students work and their involvement with the community. The Expo is a platform where students exhibit their various projects and initiatives to local and international stakeholders.
We held this year’s Expo at the the City’s prestigious Large City Hall which was well attended by local, leading individuals from both corporate and non-profit sectors; students and supporters of our work. Eighteen schools had stalls and over four hundred people attended the Expo.
Our Guests of Honour were our international guests- Sir Mark and Lady Moody-Stuart and Dr. Bruce Jackson. Sir Mark is former Chair of Shell and Anglo-American; while Dr. Bruce Jackson is Excecutive Director at C. Charles Jackson Foundation and CEO at The Instute of Applied Human Excellence in the United States of America.
A representative from the Provincial Education Director’s office officially opened the event on behalf of the Provincial Education Director, Mr. Dan Moyo.
The program was engaging as Dr. Jackson and Dalumuzi Mhlanga (Lead Us Today Founder and CEO) both delivered eloquent, thought provoking speeches. Three community project beneficiaries shared their experience and involvement
Project presentations were done by representatives from Mzilikazi High School (Bulawayo), Mvuthu High School (Esigodini) and Young Women’s Christian Association (Gweru).
Mzilikazi embarked on an initiative to reduce litter in the CBD. They turned metal barrels (or drums as they are known here) into rubbish bins. One bin was placed in their school as a donation and three more were set to be placed in strategic points in the city centre.
Mvuthu High School shared progress on how their educational assistance project is going. The stationery is selling well and they mentioned that they anticiapte to fund one student at the start of the next academic term.
YWCA presented on their candle-making project and even had samples of their candles and their candle making machine on display at their stall.
Students from Nkulumane High School presented a short drama that highlighted key lessons they have gained from their experiences with Lead Us Today. Some of these key lessons included the importance of self-worth; serving the community and planning for the future.
Entertainment was provided by an energetic group of youngsters from Cementside Primary School and the melodious voices of a local all-female group called Harmony.
After the main presentations and speeches were given, guests toured all the colourful and well decorated stalls where they interacted with students and community project beneficiaries and gained more knowledge on the projects implemented.
Project Tour with International Supporters
July 31st marked the end of our 2013/14 programs cycle. Our international guests and supporters, Sir Mark and Lady Moody-Stuart and Dr. Bruce Jackson joined us prior to the Expo and visited project sites.
Between 4 and 5 August, our guests toured several projects in Esigodini, Gweru and Bulawayo.
In Esigodini, they visited the community garden project initiated by students from Esikhoveni Secondary School; as well as the uniforms for all project by Mawabeni Secondary School. They enjoyed interacting with the students, learning more about the projects and even engaged in song and dance at one point.
In Gweru, they managed to visit YWCA’s candle-making project and saw first hand how the candles are made. W. Booms College students showcased their educational blocks project which involves producing wooden educational toys which can be used in Early Childhood Development Centres to stimulate a child’s intellectual development through play.
In Bulawayo, our guests visited Nkulumane High School, who are working with physically challenged community members and equipping them with craftwork skills. On display were ready made bags, picture frames and cups made from baboab.
2014/15 Fundraising Campaign
As mentioned previously, we aim to raise US$25, 000. To date, through your support, we have managed to raise $11, 855.
We greatly appreciate the support and kindly implore you to continue making donations and assist us in raising the remaining $13, 145. A great opportunity to get added value for your donation is on an upcoming Bonus Day where your donations will be matched.
Kindly diarise 15 October and encourage as many family members and friends to donate to a worthy cause.
If you would like to make a donation, here is the donation link: http://bit.ly/SupportLUT2014
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