The children of Mama Lumka’s orphanage as well as the other children in Zola township love to visit  the local park. When GVI had a group of Under 18 volunteers coming  for a community construction project the Kaleni Road Park seemed a great place to start.  The Municipality, who have also been working on upgrading the local parks, were keen to support the project.  For five days, the  volunteers worked together with local community members to transform the park.  They painted the equipment with lots of bright colour and added designs such as a map of Africa to the paved areas.  Each afternoon a crowd of children gathered to see the day’s progress and were itching to try out the newly painted equipment. 





After

before








 

By Friday the park was ready for action. The day began with members of the municipality including the Councillor joining the volunteers and children  for tree planting. Gradually the crowd of children grew and grew and then the real fun began.  The children  played excitedly on all the equipment  and joined the volunteers for face painting, bubble blowing and lots of singing and dancing.  It was a fabulous celebration.  The adults in the area were equally keen to sneak a glance at the work and encourage their children to join in.

The local children added their Handprints to a Kaleni Road Park sign. The day’s festivities  ended with the sign being erected welcoming all the community to the park.

For the GVI volunteers, it has been a rewarding week knowing they have made a positive contribution to the Zola community.  The children of Zola now have a renovated, bright and colourful park with some added greenery thanks to the Municipality’s contribution of new grass and five newly planted Rhus trees.
 
Thanks to the Under 18s for their wonderful efforts as well as the staff and community members that have supported this great project.  Those of us who are still here working with Mama Lumka and the children will ensure we have plenty of trips to the park!
 
Cheryl Martin
Project Manager