Firstly a BIG thank you, for taking the time to visit my fundraising page! A warm welcome to you all, especially readers of the News of the World and my local rag the Gazette and Herald.

I know we are all suffering with the 'Credit Crunch', but please rake behind the sofa and find a couple of quid to donate to this worthy cause! 

 

UPDATE - March 2010

GVI and SANParks associates visited Mabunda Primary School on my behalf this month to get a gauge on the best way to spend the monies raised.

Following our initial visit last year,  I am pleased to advise that the South African Government has stepped up and now provided funding for much needed infrastructure at the school, this mean that the funds raised on this webpage can be utilised to other areas. 

As construction of the building works nears completion, equipment for the new library will be purchased including shelving, a large reading mat for the children to sit on and of course, essential books including dictionaries (English to SeTsonga), World Atlas, books for leisurely reading, together with more serious subjects such as HIV/Aids. 

As you can see, we are way over our initial target, but please keep giving.  The schools needs are endless - we will find a whole manner of ways to spend the cash.

 

THE PROJECT following visit January 2009

Whilst training in Kruger Park - we journeyed out of the Park and visited Mabunda Primary School, a disadvantaged school in the remote village of Phalaubeni.  In each classroom we were met by 40 - 60 smiling little faces, some sitting three to a desk.  The walls were bare of the colourful handdrawn pictures found in any UK school, curtains hung only in those classrooms, where the sun was too bright for the children to work.  Needless to say the school is unfunded.

Also apparent was the lack of space, with two classrooms being completely unusable due to damage caused by a lightning storm, some three years ago!  The school is still waiting for the government to pull its finger out!

I want to raise 360 pounds (R5,000) to rebuild and furnish the two damaged classrooms, with the help of you generous people.  My target is 500 pounds (Total R7,000), as I want to supply much needed equipment such as books - their current library contains a mere 40 or so! And if there is any money spare, I'd like to see some visual stimulation for the children, and buy an array of art supplies, so those bare walls can be filled with masterpieces of every colour, you never know we may just inspire the next Vincent van Gogh or Pablo Picasso! 

More information can be found about the school on my blog, under posting Food, Glorious Food!  www.myadventureinsouthafrica.blogspot.com

 

A LITTLE ABOUT ME -

I have recently returned to the UK after spending a year in South Africa volunteering for South African National Parks (SANParks).   Other than my fundraising, my greatest achievement must be organising and hosting Bontebok Kids in Parks, allowing 500 previously disadvantaged children to visit the National Park for 3 days, enjoying various Environmental based activities, including trail walks, a snake demonstration, canoeing and swimming. 

WHAT WAS I DOING -

Through Global Vision International, I worked at Bontebok National Park in the Western Cape within the People and Conservation Department.  The main aim of this department being to strengthen relationships with the neighbouring communities.  Relationships, which have been somewhat strained, if not non existent since the Apartheid regime in South Africa.

THE FUTURE -

After spending a couple of months back in the UK catching up with family and friends, the passport is now getting itchy feet.   My next trip is taking me to South East Asia, currently I do not have confirmed plans regarding what I will be doing, but I hope to be able to continue working with children in some way.

 

DONATING -

is quick easy and totally secure through Justgiving.  It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Global Vision International Charitable Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please, please, please give as little or as much as you can. 

Love you long time! Mmmmwwwaahhhhhhhhh!