Lula Isandla

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

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.