Lula Isandla

Lula Isandla looks to provide school lunches for vulnerable children. Who are vulnerable children? They are children who head up their own households because their parents are absent; absent because they have died of an HIV related illness; absent because they cannot cope and have turned to substance abuse; absent because they have moved elsewhere to look for work. Needless to say, these children are brave young people end up being adults before their time. Lula Isandla looks to 'Reach Out' by making school days easier, so that they can concentrate during school, and hopefully their lives and their children's lives will be that much better.

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Fakazile and I always thought the very existence of Lula Isandla would have wonderful knock-on benefits for these vulnerable children; coming to a safe centre, monitored by caring Vukuza Mamas means they can get that extra bit of help. What follows illustrates this:

• A shy, retiring, almost hiding, young girl with a school uniform far too small, the skirt held up by a chain of safety pins across the zip, blouse always being pulled down, was given a complete new uniform and underwear. Now she is a smiling happy exuberant teenager.
• He was almost a dropout, skipping school and too friendly with the street kids. When asked why he did not go to school, he said the teacher told him not to come back until he stopped wearing ‘those white takkies’ – in fact he was very very scruffy and the trainers could hardly be called white! He got a complete new uniform, and new black shoes. Now he comes for lunch everyday, presenting himself to Fakazile, having come straight from school. So chuffed and happy he is to be back at school.
  

Claire

We have all heard of Jamie Oliver. Here he rants about the issues around nutrition - and opposite to the issues of Lula Isandla - and obesity. The killer that is obesity and malnutrition. His wish:
"I wish for your help to create a strong, sustainable movement to educate every child about food, inspire families to cook again and empower people everywhere to fight obesity."

Today is Christmas Day (2009). We have just returned from Lula Isandla. 250 children pitched up to eat Ronald's Chicken, and platters, rolls, juice and cake bought with the money donated by the Old Eds Squash Club.

We arrived at 11am to find a smattering of children and the majority of the Vukuza Mama's. The 12 platters of food, 24 cakes, the rolls and the maas were off loaded from the bakkie, and laid out on a freshly set table.

While Ronald's Chickens were busy being cooked in the kitchen the toys (left over from the Sony Ericsson visit) and some new Jabulani soccer balls were trolleyed out as entertainment. Two special guests joined us on the day. Father Raphael Gasimba, who hails from the Congo and heads up the Missionaries of Africa - an order of priests within the Catholic Church - and Anje, also from the Congo. Together, they helped keep the children entertained, and the Jabulani soccer balls were their contribution to a great day.

Have a look at some of the pictures here.

I have just returned from the Zenzeleni Centre and have this to share with you all.

Re: Sony Ericsson Visit

From an adult, said solemnly, “Those are good people, very good people, to come so far to us."

From a child, bouncing with glee, “We had such a big party and played and played and played.”

From me ‘It was a wonderful day, such excitement such happiness. Our thanks to Sony Ericsson for making the great trek, for the braai, for cooking and serving it all, for the gifts, for the interaction."

What happened: Over 200 little people with 35 big people playing games, soccer, frisbee, skipping, running, jumping, piggy backs, shoulder rides and swinging round and round and round. It looked like a cricket oval at the lunch time break.

Re: Vukuza Mamas trip to Durban

More excitement but from the adults this time:

I speak very little Zulu, most of the women very little English, but I got a wonderfully graphic demonstration of the waves, in and out, so tirelessly, the picnic the fun, the hustle and bustle of Durban streets all so much to take in on one day, when you come from Mphophomeni! Such an experience, and so many thanks.

A very big thank you to the special sponsor who made this possible.

13 went in the taxi, the 10 women, Fakazile’s little fostered daughter and the 2 ‘bodyguards’, ‘they’ being Bonginkosi and Vusi, (the man from across the road of the centre who keeps an eye on it, and lends us equipment when we are in need) – it was a thank you to him for all his support over the year. Neat.

Re: Christmas Day

While sitting making clay pots this morning, the women and I, after much discussion, came up with this plan, for 250 people!!!

The Vukuza Mamas - at their request - will braai ‘quarter legs’ (chicken), Merrivale Spar will provide rolls, veggie platters, sweet tooth platters and juice. We will see how much we get donated and pay for the rest as we have been given some funds to celebrate Christmas.

A special mention, and a huge thank you to Ronald who phoned from London suggesting the chicken, which he will fund. I am overwhelmed by this generosity.

Re: Last word

The incredible generosity and thoughtfulness, spontaneity, is almost an ache in me as I am so continuously touched by it all. I don’t know how to thank you all enough. But come and visit and see what your kindness is achieving by empowering these women and children.

May your Christmas be happy and blessed, from all at ‘Lula Isandla’

Claire