tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83266565158009776312024-03-13T14:55:32.792+02:00GVI Blog for Volunteering in South Africa on Community ProjectsWelcome to GVI's blog for all of our community projects in South Africa. Here you can keep up to date with all the happenings and information from our field operations in South Africa.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398472209765445922noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-87165935621432314522014-02-18T12:21:00.001+02:002014-02-18T12:21:50.419+02:00Keep up to date with GVI Cape Town<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find out what's happening on our projects at GVI Cape Town by following us on</span><br />
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</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-16224199013056321002013-12-23T07:37:00.000+02:002013-12-23T07:37:00.588+02:00Merry Christmas and Thank you<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1QgD6IKjEM/UrfHzmZ50ZI/AAAAAAAAAgs/BAHuLrpFptk/s1600/DSCF9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1QgD6IKjEM/UrfHzmZ50ZI/AAAAAAAAAgs/BAHuLrpFptk/s400/DSCF9173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We currently have Claudia volunteering
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claudia won the round the world
volunteering competition for GVI and has spent almost a year travelling from
project to project. Cape Town is her final project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0hD_iPdyc4/UrfKfdFSzkI/AAAAAAAAAg4/b4K3Hoq6bgs/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0hD_iPdyc4/UrfKfdFSzkI/AAAAAAAAAg4/b4K3Hoq6bgs/s200/IMG_0322.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Claudia was kind enough to share some photos of her greatest
moments of the past year, what an amazing time she has had!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was watching her presentation, It really
brought to light that as we are heads down and busy here on our projects, so
too are volunteers and staff on every other GVI project around the world. I’m
sure every project some great stories from the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summing up a whole year in Cape Town is really
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For every big achievement
such as developing our Sensory Room for children with Special Needs , constructing
paths at Grade R, or completing an amazing three day Charity Challenge, there
are achievements that happen day in and day out on our projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Achievements such as a child learning to
write her name, speaking their first sentence or reading their first word or a local staff member asking us to share our lesson ideas with her are the achievements we
cherish as much as anything. These are the small steps that lead us to our
goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, here in South Africa, the most significant event
of the year was the passing of Nelson Mandela. He will continue to inspire us
in the future. He once said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em>“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we
have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will
determine the significance of the life we lead.”</em></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To all our volunteers
and staff who have made great contributions to the Cape Town projects in 2013
we say thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been some
fantastic achievements and we have had lots of fun along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We say thank you and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the very best for
2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You will get to see a new platform for our blogs in 2014, so
stay posted for more details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seasons Greetings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Cape Town team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-82373394357278431152013-12-22T17:44:00.000+02:002013-12-22T17:44:16.948+02:00Getting ready for Christmas<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G233omLxAao/Urb2ufFbhrI/AAAAAAAAAgI/bEpqx0oilHM/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G233omLxAao/Urb2ufFbhrI/AAAAAAAAAgI/bEpqx0oilHM/s400/IMG_0545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdpPkcXg48M/Urb3hcxtysI/AAAAAAAAAgY/fO3111gnC-A/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdpPkcXg48M/Urb3hcxtysI/AAAAAAAAAgY/fO3111gnC-A/s200/IMG_0392.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week
at Ikhayalethemba we’ve been busy decorating and getting ready for
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve made Christmas
ornaments out of recycled materials and decorated a Christmas tree, learned
Christmas songs, and even participated in a Gingerbread Man scavenger hunt
complete with homemade gingerbread cookies at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children especially enjoyed watching the
volunteers perform the skit and were in hysterics as everyone ran around in
animal masks chasing after the little gingerbread man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been so wonderful seeing the childrens’
faces light up at each new Christmas activity and sharing their eager
anticipation for Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-26797291511470487722013-12-19T13:31:00.000+02:002013-12-19T13:31:05.481+02:00Support makes a Difference
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDLnhGicD1E/UrLYl3IKIwI/AAAAAAAAAfs/iNOJPOj5b_0/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDLnhGicD1E/UrLYl3IKIwI/AAAAAAAAAfs/iNOJPOj5b_0/s400/IMG_0131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes as volunteers we can wonder how much of a
difference we are making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story of
one of our children with Special Needs shows how, stimulation, support and care
can really make a difference. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Precious
(not her real name but we’ll protect her identity) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>joined us at Ikhayalethemba orphanage 18 months
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was about 12 years old.
Although she could walk, she had very little movement. Her movements were stiff
and even slightly turning her head was a real effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t have the confidence to make a
choice, she always awaited direction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our volunteers worked hard with Precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They involved her in morning circle time,
took her for walks, taught her to throw a ball, encouraged her to draw, paint,
thread and cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also encouraged the
other children at the orphanage to interact with her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst the volunteers gave great support to
Precious, Mama, her family and the carers all gave Precious great support and
encouragement too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The difference in Precious in 18 months is phenomenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pushes the other children around in their
wheel chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She mops the floor, tucks
the other children into bed, organises her belongings, and paints and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>draws with increasing independence and more
ease of movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, she threaded
a necklace and then tied it herself, for those who have worked with Precious,
you will know what an amazing feat this is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Precious is just one story from Ikhayalethemba. Her world
has opened because Mama’s family, the staff and our GVI volunteers have given
her so much stimulation, care and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no doubt that providing time for a child can make a real
difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl Martin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Manager</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-71401509826114840022013-12-11T12:17:00.000+02:002013-12-11T12:17:32.439+02:00Grade Rs Graduate
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a delight it was to see the Nceduluntu Grade R students
graduate last Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we think back
to early in the year when they seemed so young<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and were just getting the idea of Grade R and then look at the end of
the year and see a group of independent children ready to head off to Primary
School, the progress is amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In South Africa, Grade R is an extremely important year for
the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a time where they
prepare for school. They learn the routines of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They learn the basics of numeracy and
literacy and other subjects and also they learn to work together as a
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children learn in their Home Language
Xhosa and also in English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our volunteers provide support at Grade R with the Literacy
and Numeracy work but also with themes. We have contributed to topics of
healthy eating, keeping safe, our body, winter, spring and the list goes on.
Music time has also been an important part of our input as we model English language
through songs and rhymes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlD0g4JMp-s/Uqg6ltT3P2I/AAAAAAAAAfI/yn4ENGg4pbM/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlD0g4JMp-s/Uqg6ltT3P2I/AAAAAAAAAfI/yn4ENGg4pbM/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Graduation day is approached with great excitement by the
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children arrived looking
smart but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then soon before the ceremony,
the parents took their children aside and dressed them in their graduation
dresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys mainly in suits and
the girls were in mainly in white dresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They all looked so grown up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After posing for their photos they then put on their graduation gowns
and were presented with certificates and a gift. Following the presentation,
they all jumped on board the bus and headed off for their celebration lunch
near the beach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The children had a great time and the volunteers had a great
experience seeing what an important time Grade R is for the children and
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wish all the children from
Nceduluntu a great first year at school in 2014 and congratulate Grace on the great job she does teaching the Grade R children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cheryl Martin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Project Manager</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-68530900606244175302013-12-05T11:17:00.001+02:002013-12-05T11:17:30.104+02:00A look back at 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the year comes to an end and school is
about to close, now would be a good time to look back on the year we have had
at ACJ Phakade Primary School and remind ourselves of how far GVI has come over
the past 12 months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geoEdvvAIu8/Up47B6GSwxI/AAAAAAAAAdw/wfS9Rj-WMtA/s1600/Picture8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geoEdvvAIu8/Up47B6GSwxI/AAAAAAAAAdw/wfS9Rj-WMtA/s200/Picture8.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year we have been able to use the new
sports field to its full potential, hosting a school sports day, football
matches and athletics tournaments. It is great to see the children utilising
such a facility and also to see the local community benefitting from this resource.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the successful completion of 2012’s
charity challenge the money raised went towards the purchasing of athletic and
sports equipment for the school. This year GVI bought a secure container to
store the equipment and this now stays on school property. The volunteers prior
to this were great at creating games and activities without the correct
equipment however with these now being utilised the children can practice
specific events and train appropriately for the coming years tournaments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnvL2C8mjIM/Up4_anITHeI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ApNrp0C1LFk/s1600/reading+together.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnvL2C8mjIM/Up4_anITHeI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ApNrp0C1LFk/s200/reading+together.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone can appreciate the importance of
reading, for children especially, and we often take for granted our ability to
access books. In September of this year we transformed an old disused room into
a Reading Room for all ACJ children and teachers. Although the space may be
small it has become quite a haven for children who want to access stories, fact
and fiction they otherwise wouldn’t come into contact with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y-oDSGvscQ/Up48lTTVuvI/AAAAAAAAAd8/LZjXsDTy30c/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y-oDSGvscQ/Up48lTTVuvI/AAAAAAAAAd8/LZjXsDTy30c/s200/IMG_2997.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the year we have seen great
results from the children we have been working with on a one to one basis. Not
only have we seen the improvement in their numeracy and literacy abilities but
also their general confidence and conversational skills. This is very rewarding
for our volunteers who have built great relationships with the children over
the year and for those who will continue to do so.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachael
Fleary<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Senior
Co-ordinator<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-15275154930632032752013-11-12T17:46:00.001+02:002013-11-12T17:46:34.046+02:00Charity Challenge.....A Great Experience!<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend
was a busy one for many of the volunteers and staff here in Gordon’s Bay, South
Africa as a group of 17 of us was making the 80km trek from Cape Point to Table
Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the second year in a
row we have done the hike in order to raise funds for some of our projects
here, and I have been lucky enough to participate in both events.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Friday, bright
and early, we headed down to Cape Point where we would start our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we arrived we had a group stretch and
got everyone ready for what we were about to undertake – our first
obstacle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it’s not enough to
just start at the sign at Cape Point, we were starting from the lighthouse
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are quite a few steps
going up between the sign and the lighthouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the team set to work and climbed up to the starting location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a short moment to catch our breath,
have some water, and get a couple pictures of the amazing view there we
officially started what would be a tough three-day challenge.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PUwfRAFAcs/UoE4BajZffI/AAAAAAAAAcM/CiUpdz_6E3U/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PUwfRAFAcs/UoE4BajZffI/AAAAAAAAAcM/CiUpdz_6E3U/s320/IMG_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For that first
day our goal was to reach Simon’s Town where we would stay overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked through the national park and along
roads the whole way to reach Simon’s Town in about six hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reaching the backpackers, attending to
many blisters and sore joints, the team decided to carry on and take off a
chunk of the next day’s walk as well by heading towards Fish Hoek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even with the extra hour and a half of
walking, we all knew that this first day would not compare to the challenges
over the following two days of hiking, so we hopped on a bus back to the
backpackers where we could rest up and prepare for the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our second day
we had another early start as we still had to finish making our way to Fish
Hoek where we would meet our trail guide Binny and her assistant X.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Straight away it was clear that these two
knew what they were doing and they were going to push us hard to make sure we
made it through what would be the toughest day of our challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because during day two we had about nine
hours of hiking to do as we went up and down two mountains to end at Constantia
Nek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very physically draining
day, but it was full of breathtaking views as we hiked past waterfalls and
along the sides of cliffs overlooking much of the Cape peninsula, which offered
many a good excuse to stop and marvel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we finished the day we all stopped off for a well-deserved drink before
heading back to our accommodation and again preparing for the following day.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUNn67HcJ3o/UoE4vh9593I/AAAAAAAAAcU/K57vaFhKDyQ/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUNn67HcJ3o/UoE4vh9593I/AAAAAAAAAcU/K57vaFhKDyQ/s320/IMG_0236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time the
last day came around every member of the team was feeling strained from the
challenges we had overcome already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
team met up with the office staff as well as more volunteers at Constantia Nek
to gain some much-needed support as we tackled our third day’s hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this day we had plans of hiking all the
way to the top of Table Mountain, however nature had a different plan for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discovered that the weather was too windy
and the cable cars would not be running to take us down from the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together with the help of Binny and X
everyone agreed that we would take a different trail known as the contour path
that would lead us up and around the mountain and down to the cable car
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was another beautiful hike
overlooking all of Cape Town that took us about seven hours from start to
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the most amazing part of the
whole hike was definitely at the finish line.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSlGrxxOW3I/UoE5Wl2PBeI/AAAAAAAAAck/jfV9k3uduLA/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSlGrxxOW3I/UoE5Wl2PBeI/AAAAAAAAAck/jfV9k3uduLA/s320/IMG_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we headed down a steep last
stretch everyone was excited to know they had almost made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feeling was overwhelming as we came down
off the mountain to be greeted by our drivers, guides, and especially our
project partner Mama Lumka and some of her family who had come out as a surprise
to show their support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally did
not believe my ears as I heard their voices cheering me on for the last
stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such an awesome feeling
that bested any other during the hike to know that not only had we completed
our challenge, but that our project partners were there to show how much it
meant to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And looking around you
could tell that everyone felt the same as we all had huge grins on our
faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge was officially
finished and the only thing left to do was celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEGYOmzSp3Q/UoJMBr000uI/AAAAAAAAAc8/SXPjfHKrOvg/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEGYOmzSp3Q/UoJMBr000uI/AAAAAAAAAc8/SXPjfHKrOvg/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andy Eskeland</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ikhayalethemba Coordinator</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-52121324229323136342013-11-06T21:47:00.002+02:002013-11-06T21:47:44.642+02:00Small changes can make a big difference<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvD78ytxxfI/UnqcCZYc-dI/AAAAAAAAAb4/BA7kjxwLuIw/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvD78ytxxfI/UnqcCZYc-dI/AAAAAAAAAb4/BA7kjxwLuIw/s400/14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meet Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace is
the teacher at the Grade R where we work in Nomzamo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a challenging task. A small space, lots
of children to cater for, and an educational programme to deliver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have been working with Grace for a little over two
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that time, we’ve shared ideas,
planned together and seen some wonderful progress at the Grade R site both
educationally and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>physically. It’s
amazing how small changes can make such a big difference. One of our volunteers
fundraised for turf, our construction volunteers laid the turf and now the
children have a safe inviting area to play. Paving and drains have meant that
Grade R is more accessible during the winter months and new shelving has meant
that Grace can store her resources more effectively <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which also provides more space for the
children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our most recent addition has
been planter boxes where the children have been able to plant vegetables as part
of the healthcare programme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every step
of the way we have worked together with Mama Lumka and Grace to create a great
learning environment for the children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will continue this partnership at Grade R as well as at
Mama Lumka’s other sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our funds from
this year’s Charity Challenge will contribute towards further developments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skylights for example will not only save on
electricity costs but ensure there is more effective light in the classroom for
the children to work. An extension to the building will create more work space
and provide some shade. Whilst physical developments continue we will also
continue to work closely with Grace to provide an effective educational
programme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Charity Challenge begins on Friday 8th Nov.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please support our fundraising ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gvi-cape-town-2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-2751698261545163512013-10-28T10:49:00.001+02:002013-10-28T10:49:24.478+02:00A Special Time for Ruth.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNw-nTzy3-8/Um3_yiPgKSI/AAAAAAAAAbg/lMKWgnFgU30/s1600/IMG-20131008-01233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNw-nTzy3-8/Um3_yiPgKSI/AAAAAAAAAbg/lMKWgnFgU30/s320/IMG-20131008-01233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">There is a reason for the
term "special needs" and it's in the word "special". The
children here are so beautiful; so individually special.</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNvcNwfQNqQ/Um37vuqsnyI/AAAAAAAAAbI/6dBRzi2Oh58/s1600/DSCN5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNvcNwfQNqQ/Um37vuqsnyI/AAAAAAAAAbI/6dBRzi2Oh58/s200/DSCN5159.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">There is something incredibly unique about sharing
time with those with special needs and I believe it to be in the power of the
moment that is unavoidable when in their company; a value and lesson in life
that is hard to grasp.</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The children here with special needs all cannot
speak, yet communication is not an issue, why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">I often think to myself, the ability to talk isn’t
always a blessing. We, as humans, allow thoughts and conversations to reduce
the possibilities of embracing the moment. When speech is removed, all previous
experiences or future aspirations become incommunicable, everything becomes
about the moment, the present! How often do you share this with another? This
is the essence of each one of these beautiful children! Anyone who experiences
moments with any of them would agree that in ‘conversation’ with them, they
experience the power of the present and overlook everything else. Momentarily
suspended from the "think ahead" nature of our society.</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The townships themselves carry this too, it's a very
special environment. </span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">To be able to be present with someone, sharing the
simple experience of the moment is exciting and empowering for it brings a
special kind of freedom into the relationship.</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">" What is actually important is the here and now.
Nothing mystical, just now, very simple, straightforward… experiencing the now
possesses a lot of powerful things! It is so powerful that we can’t always face
it and therefore we have to borrow from the past and invite the future all the
time."</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">If I have taken this from just 4 weeks with these
children, it goes to show the extent of the unique experience the townships in
South Africa hold.</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6cXZDDUz7w/Um37JnmzAFI/AAAAAAAAAbE/OQ039PvndRk/s1600/DSCN5070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6cXZDDUz7w/Um37JnmzAFI/AAAAAAAAAbE/OQ039PvndRk/s200/DSCN5070.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">A huge part of my personal experience has been the
use of the brand new sensory room. A project that was completed as I arrived
and one I am incredibly grateful for. A few volunteers for a month before I
arrived were keen to give these children a space of their own, where they could
also develop and work on their skills. I have to say- they have done an amazing
job! Transforming a cluttered, dull container into a peaceful haven containing
a hub of sensory tools, offering ample approaches to communicating with each
child. </span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The girls put together a presentation where they
explained the diagnosis of each child and how the sensory room can be used for
each to help with his/her specific needs. It was incredibly insightful and
reassuring to know this information will be passed on to ensure continuity and
consistency in the children's progression. There has been many "systems"
in place for these kids but with the nature of the project, with volunteers
coming and going, it is actually very hard to ensure this consistency. However
what this room have given, is more valuable than any "system" any
volunteer wanting to give these children time will find ways of sharing moments
with them in this room and that is the most important gift; communication and
time. </span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">The sensory room is a blessing for both the
volunteer and the child; an environment where communicating comes easy for all
abilities involved. </span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">As I said, I arrived just as this project was
complete. I became part of the process of putting the room into practice, and
what a fun journey that has been to be part of! </span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;">As Cheryl says, each volunteer leaves footprints in
the whole journey of progress in this overarching project, sharing knowledge
and experience.</span><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Ruth Cody</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Childcare Volunteer </em></span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-80831228029504911052013-10-12T08:41:00.000+02:002013-10-12T08:41:03.015+02:00Life in Cape Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovpnQ_797cc/UljuapWECGI/AAAAAAAAAZM/jlfa7DxQ9Us/s1600/DSCN9375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovpnQ_797cc/UljuapWECGI/AAAAAAAAAZM/jlfa7DxQ9Us/s400/DSCN9375.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the past four months I have been
working at Nceduluntu nursery in Nomzamo township. I was originally supposed to
leave after three months but when the time came I decided I could not leave so
extended my stay for a further three months. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s hard to put into words how in love I
am with these children, this place and the culture. I have learnt so much not
only about South Africa but about myself too. It’s not only the work that makes
this such an unforgettable experience but I have met some of the craziest
people and seen such beauty in this city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have 10 weeks left and I plan to make the
most of every minute. Next weekend I will be sky diving and Zip lining. The
following weekend I will be going on a Safari and bungee jumping from the
highest bridge jump in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
week after I will be attending a forest trance party with new local friends and
the week after that I plan to see other cities in the country i.e. Durban and
Joburg.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vive la vida momento a momento<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Catalina
Bertero, 21<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">La
Paz, Bolivia<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-38364171593791061742013-10-04T09:41:00.000+02:002013-10-04T09:41:13.064+02:00So many smiley faces!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7GG1BAwXIM/Uk5vk_1IKfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/elvwWDQdf3s/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7GG1BAwXIM/Uk5vk_1IKfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/elvwWDQdf3s/s320/IMG_2239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We packed our bags…said goodbye to our families and friends…and were off! We didn’t know what to expect and, the truth is, we really didn’t want to. We wanted it to be a surprise. And what a wonderful surprise it was!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three weeks ago we set foot for the first time in the ACJ Primary School in the Nomzamo township near Gordon’s Bay. As we entered the classrooms the children stopped what they were doing, stood up and shouted in their squeaky little voices “Good morning teacha how are you?”. They then ran towards us and hugged us. First one, then two, then three… Soon we had a group of ten cute kids showing off their sweet little smiles, giggling and calling out “teacha teacha”. What an unbelievable moment!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since that first day, every day has been really rewarding. Monday through Friday I have my adorable group of kids whom I tutor in English. Together we read books, do writing and creative exercises and just talk. And after we’re through with the lessons they go off to the field where my boyfriend is waiting to teach them how to kick that soccer ball even further, how to make a long jump even longer or how to “ride the waves” at the Strand beach. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when they’re done learning from us, it’s our turn to sit and listen. They tell us about their brothers and sisters…about their love for soccer…about what they want to be when they grow up. And as they talk we just stare at them and see how their faces light up and we can’t help but realize… This is the reason we’re here!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s amazing to think that when we decided to take on this project it was to enrich the lives of those that have less than us. And now, after only three weeks, we’ve come to realize that it is our lives that are truly being enriched… by so many smiley faces!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jacky Shaldjian</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Teaching volunteer</span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-85549128972766184252013-09-17T19:11:00.000+02:002013-09-17T19:11:29.892+02:00Sports at ACJ<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfJp4_c8rW8/UjiEJ-etcJI/AAAAAAAAAYA/EaxLKKM_PSs/s1600/Sports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfJp4_c8rW8/UjiEJ-etcJI/AAAAAAAAAYA/EaxLKKM_PSs/s400/Sports.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week’s volunteer intake saw the arrival of 4 new sports volunteers. This is great news for the sports programme, as more people bring new energy, ideas and personalities to the Cape Town base. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ACJ Phakade Primary School children absolutely love their sports lessons and are very excited with the new soccer drills and skills they have been learning this past week. Also, this group of volunteers have all been keen to put on their wet suits and re-start our surfing incentive programme which lulled over Cape Town’s winter months. The surfing kids have really missed heading down to Son surf at Strand beach for their surf lesson but are ecstatic at being back on their boards. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our new volunteers is a bit of a pro when it comes to soccer skills, competing professionally against females from around the world. The children and teachers watch in awe as she performs her tricks with a soccer ball. It’s especially good for the young girls of Nomzamo to see a female breaking some gender stereotypes and teaching them some skills too. We have plans to run a soccer clinic every Monday for girls and boys from ACJ along with the input of a local soccer team, The Strand Hotspurs. These are exciting times for the sports programme and we all look forward to developing the programme further and strengthening our links with the community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Rachael Fleary</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Senior Coordinator</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-54807297427900916632013-09-16T23:21:00.000+02:002013-09-16T23:42:05.420+02:00Construction projects make a difference.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ve been fortunate enough to have a number of construction
volunteers recently who have made some great contributions at our sites. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fu_t6vSwAc/UjdnEid9zvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/6euaJpl0TYM/s1600/DSCN9895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fu_t6vSwAc/UjdnEid9zvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/6euaJpl0TYM/s1600/DSCN9895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fu_t6vSwAc/UjdnEid9zvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/6euaJpl0TYM/s200/DSCN9895.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They have made some great shelves at Ikhayalethemba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shelves are designed so that the children’s
clothes can be sorted making them easier for the carers to access. The volunteers also
added extra shelves to the children’s wardrobes providing more space and easier
accessibility. Mama Lumka was delighted with the results.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shelves were also a theme at Grade R. Three lots of new
shelves has meant that teacher Grace has been able to store equipment and books
more efficiently allowing more floor space for the children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIIur2v95w4/Ujd4dztL5YI/AAAAAAAAAXw/DLxuhkv8MPU/s1600/18b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIIur2v95w4/Ujd4dztL5YI/AAAAAAAAAXw/DLxuhkv8MPU/s200/18b.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Outside at Grade R, drainage has always been an issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our volunteers helped out by building a
drainage channel and so now on rainy days, the water flows out of the area
making it much drier. There are also are new paved paths making moving around
the site much easier, less muddy and definitely drier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCN7vnQjGVk/UjdiNStUZxI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/XQzCHxuN63Y/s1600/DSCN0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCN7vnQjGVk/UjdiNStUZxI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/XQzCHxuN63Y/s200/DSCN0495.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new sandpit has also been a great addition which was incorporated
into the existing jungle gym. A very popular addition in the eyes of the
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aside from these tasks there are the “odd jobs” such as
replacing missing windows with plexi glass, repairing doors, adding latches to
doors, repairing fences and mounting coats hooks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ya8GO5-hsGo/UjdiAaANxvI/AAAAAAAAAXI/rGx7wUJgyuU/s1600/DSCN0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ya8GO5-hsGo/UjdiAaANxvI/AAAAAAAAAXI/rGx7wUJgyuU/s200/DSCN0551.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our current construction volunteer is doing a great job
making a border around the jungle gym at Grade R ready for some mulch to give
it, a soft fall area for the children, some and extra drainage and a great new
look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our construction projects really make a difference to our
project partners, the carers and the children. It’s amazing what can be
achieved in a short space of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheryl Martin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Project Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_2057768423"></span><span id="goog_2057768424"></span><br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-17241553315783705792013-09-12T20:15:00.000+02:002013-09-12T20:15:05.174+02:00<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBiq-fT3_MU/UjIEQBvmG5I/AAAAAAAAAWU/iA6MeM-emUY/s1600/charlotte.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBiq-fT3_MU/UjIEQBvmG5I/AAAAAAAAAWU/iA6MeM-emUY/s400/charlotte.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm Charlotte from New Orleans,
Louisiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been working at the
ACJ Pakade Primary School for the past two weeks on the teaching programme and
helping out with the sports programme. I have been working one to one with four
grade 6 students, helping them with their mathematics.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On my first full day on project we tested
the children with a grade 4 math exam paper, the results were surprisingly low
considering the paper was aimed at children two years younger. Anyway, we spent
two weeks working on various math problems and addressed the areas they
struggled with in the test. The children were tested again at the end of the
two weeks with the same paper and their results improved drastically. This was
so gratifying and rewarding to know that I am impacting positively on their
schooling. I look forward to watching each of them grow over the next three
months and I hope to see more great results.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charlotte
Drennan, 22</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8
weeks teaching 6 weeks sports<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-83694136586768778302013-09-09T18:07:00.000+02:002013-09-09T18:07:53.294+02:00Reflecting on the progress at Grade R<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LxFEeWllh8/UizglkLE88I/AAAAAAAAAVM/PWxH08wFQQ4/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LxFEeWllh8/UizglkLE88I/AAAAAAAAAVM/PWxH08wFQQ4/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LxFEeWllh8/UizglkLE88I/AAAAAAAAAVM/PWxH08wFQQ4/s200/01.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every project has a story. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we were gathering photos for our recent four year celebration, it reminded us that one of the projects that had clearly made progress during that time was Grade R. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKfHm8pq3Ro/UizhQkyDP-I/AAAAAAAAAVU/-BanGMXyfiI/s1600/08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKfHm8pq3Ro/UizhQkyDP-I/AAAAAAAAAVU/-BanGMXyfiI/s200/08.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It began with a shell of a building back in 2011. Mama Lumka had seen it had potential as a Grade R classroom and GVI could see the potential of supporting the Grade R programme. Our first volunteers began work there in October 2011 and since then our relationship with Grace, the Grade R teacher, and GVI volunteers has never looked back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On an educational level we have provided support for small </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">groups </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of children in line with the Grade R curriculum. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been a <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">great help to Grace who <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has a full class <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAYC2stjqoA/Uizh0BNAaaI/AAAAAAAAAVc/puMenad3F90/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAYC2stjqoA/Uizh0BNAaaI/AAAAAAAAAVc/puMenad3F90/s200/14.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">children to work with. We share ideas with Grace and</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she shares ideas with us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Together we have been able to provide the children </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with some great learning </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">experiences.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our Health Care programme has been successful at Grade R. This includes hand washing, healthy eating and tooth brushing programmes.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkh6Fy6nYps/Uizh4QkgU0I/AAAAAAAAAVk/I59f6euwCaM/s1600/16d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkh6Fy6nYps/Uizh4QkgU0I/AAAAAAAAAVk/I59f6euwCaM/s1600/16d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkh6Fy6nYps/Uizh4QkgU0I/AAAAAAAAAVk/I59f6euwCaM/s1600/16d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkh6Fy6nYps/Uizh4QkgU0I/AAAAAAAAAVk/I59f6euwCaM/s200/16d.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've filled a few Public Holidays at Grade R with painting</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">murals and general maintenance tasks with some great results which have been much appreciated by Grace and the children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This year our construction program has really supported </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the development at Grade R. An artificial turf area, a path and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">drain, and windows being replaced are a few achievements. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've also build shelves allowing more floor space for the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">children and our most recent project was the building of a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">sandpit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The physical progress is rewarding for all but more </span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtlLcqZ9mLk/UizigIFyMVI/AAAAAAAAAWA/F3F6lbm77e8/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtlLcqZ9mLk/UizigIFyMVI/AAAAAAAAAWA/F3F6lbm77e8/s200/20.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">importantly I</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">s the great relationship we have with Grace and the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">children </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">and <span style="font-family: Arial;">the pride children take in their class work</span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9duK3bTBSE/UiziEii5onI/AAAAAAAAAVs/pROktt7nxpE/s1600/16g.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9duK3bTBSE/UiziEii5onI/AAAAAAAAAVs/pROktt7nxpE/s320/16g.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">and their learning environment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Cheryl Martin </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Project Manager</span><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-36089856425296108682013-08-25T20:35:00.000+02:002013-08-25T20:35:37.845+02:00Toddler Improvements<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-689b2ca4-b6a2-14ba-f569-7ec74677be1a" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vE08zWsDq4U/UhpKl18H5EI/AAAAAAAAAU4/YLr-AvmCcBU/s1600/DSC02899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vE08zWsDq4U/UhpKl18H5EI/AAAAAAAAAU4/YLr-AvmCcBU/s400/DSC02899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For anyone who didn’t already know, kids are simply amazing. Their ability to learn and soak up information like a sponge seems to have no limitations at times. This remains true for all the children we work with, but most notable recently have been the toddlers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ3nrH0bz4Y/UhpIjkshTFI/AAAAAAAAAUo/hOt6qnud2Fo/s1600/DSCN9723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ3nrH0bz4Y/UhpIjkshTFI/AAAAAAAAAUo/hOt6qnud2Fo/s400/DSCN9723.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a few days ago I found myself sitting with a couple of the 2-3 year olds working on puzzles and talking about the pictures. Then it occurred to me, not only were they completing the puzzles with little difficulty, but also they were having equally little difficulty having a conversation in English, which is a second language for them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, to me that is hugely impressive. However, that is only the tip of the iceberg for these particular children. To see them during class time now, they all seem focused and interested in whatever the task may be, and they maintain focus throughout the whole class period. On some days they’ll even be the last ones to leave class because they remain engaged and focused so well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another session of the day they excel in is song time. It is a great way for young children to learn language, and quite a bit of fun when all the kids are singing along. For us, the toddlers are some of best singers. They all know a bunch of songs in English, and will ask for specific songs by name. And if that doesn’t work, they will happily break out into song on their own and put on a performance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is crazy to think of how much these children have grown and developed with the help of our volunteers over my time here. And I look forward to seeing all that is still to come.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andy Eskeland</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ikhayalethemba coordinator</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-6634399964174352422013-08-14T08:48:00.000+02:002013-08-14T08:48:58.796+02:00GVI Celebrates Four Years in Nomzamo<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGF988c0_WQ/UgqGiyzPDnI/AAAAAAAAAS0/4RdVS-E6Lxw/s1600/DSCN9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGF988c0_WQ/UgqGiyzPDnI/AAAAAAAAAS0/4RdVS-E6Lxw/s200/DSCN9842.JPG" width="150" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Friday 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August it was fun for all as we
celebrated four years of GVI working in Nomzamo. Our celebrations were at
Ikhayalethemba Orphanage and Mama Lumka, our first Project<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Partner here in Nomzamo, welcomed our
celebrations at her orphanage with great enthusiasm. There is no doubt she
values the support we have given in the township since our partnership began
back in August 2009.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our current volunteers used their social night to make a
display of photos showing the past four years and these were displayed on the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly highlighted how much
can happen in four years. The posters are now proudly displayed in Mama’s
office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eRmiBZakN0/UgqHl3u-3jI/AAAAAAAAATQ/5UI_906epE8/s1600/DSC02920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eRmiBZakN0/UgqHl3u-3jI/AAAAAAAAATQ/5UI_906epE8/s1600/DSC02920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eRmiBZakN0/UgqHl3u-3jI/AAAAAAAAATQ/5UI_906epE8/s200/DSC02920.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--eRmiBZakN0/UgqHl3u-3jI/AAAAAAAAATQ/5UI_906epE8/s1600/DSC02920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a drumming group to entertain the children, carers
and volunteers. We all had the opportunity to drum along as well as dance. For
those of you who know Lea……well you can imagine how keen she was to join in
with the drumming and became an honorary member of the group for a while. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her skills never cease to amaze. The drummers
created a great atmosphere for the celebrations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zry7p8sZ_4M/UgqHWd3I_yI/AAAAAAAAATA/Th02OmgNELs/s1600/DSCN9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zry7p8sZ_4M/UgqHWd3I_yI/AAAAAAAAATA/Th02OmgNELs/s200/DSCN9799.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our volunteers had a chance to try smiley, a traditional South
African food. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some liked it, others
weren’t so keen but any left overs were quickly devoured by the local children
who lined up eagerly.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the drumming ceased it was time for speeches and JT our
Programs Manager thanked Mama, her family and staff <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as well as all volunteers past and present for
all their work in Nomzamo and Zola. She also acknowledged all the dedicated GVI
staff who had made contributions to the projects over the time. Mama also thanked
everyone from GVI and hopes that we will continue to have volunteers to
help in her community in years to come.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JT was then joined by one of the local children to cut the
celebratory cake which was shared by all who were present at the celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great day,
and to all staff and volunteers who have made a contribution over the past four
years, we thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl Martin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-47628699127899542382013-08-12T18:03:00.001+02:002013-08-12T18:03:03.535+02:00Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-43854933902411124872013-08-04T09:15:00.000+02:002013-08-04T09:15:36.459+02:00<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AfQ9vHWvFs/Uf38_1UQzGI/AAAAAAAAAQo/Sy8UPlnQRgk/s1600/Strand-20130802-00506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7AfQ9vHWvFs/Uf38_1UQzGI/AAAAAAAAAQo/Sy8UPlnQRgk/s400/Strand-20130802-00506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The children of Mama Lumka’s
orphanage as well as the other children in Zola township love to visit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the local park. When GVI had a group of Under 18 volunteers coming <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for a community construction project the
Kaleni Road Park seemed a great place to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Municipality, who have also been working on upgrading the local
parks, were keen to support the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For five days, the volunteers worked together with local
community members to transform the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They painted the equipment with lots of bright colour and added designs such
as a map of Africa to the paved areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
afternoon a crowd of children gathered to see the day’s progress and were itching
to try out the newly painted equipment.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1m6IX798VjI/Uf334hEEA0I/AAAAAAAAAPs/LmMrNm9pUs0/s1600/Strand-20130801-00488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1m6IX798VjI/Uf334hEEA0I/AAAAAAAAAPs/LmMrNm9pUs0/s200/Strand-20130801-00488.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_VG-aDOMg8U/Uf36BFm-III/AAAAAAAAAQc/BM-IU1RHMbg/s1600/DSCN9405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_VG-aDOMg8U/Uf36BFm-III/AAAAAAAAAQc/BM-IU1RHMbg/s200/DSCN9405.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Friday the park was ready for
action. The day began with members of the municipality including the Councillor
joining the volunteers and children <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for
tree planting. Gradually the crowd of children grew and grew and then the real
fun began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>played excitedly on all the equipment<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and joined the volunteers for face painting,
bubble blowing and lots of singing and dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a fabulous celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The adults in the area were equally keen to sneak a glance at the work
and encourage their children to join in.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuECreg2zS4/Uf34PZO4mNI/AAAAAAAAAP0/GhGGNuRtPOg/s1600/Strand-20130802-00544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuECreg2zS4/Uf34PZO4mNI/AAAAAAAAAP0/GhGGNuRtPOg/s200/Strand-20130802-00544.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The local children added their
Handprints to a Kaleni Road Park sign. The day’s festivities <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ended with the sign being erected welcoming
all the community to the park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the GVI volunteers, it has
been a rewarding week knowing they have made a positive contribution to the
Zola community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the children will ensure we have plenty of trips to the park!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl Martin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Manager</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKBuz48CNns/Uf35UevjR9I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/YE8_j7fVAgo/s1600/Strand-20130802-00644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKBuz48CNns/Uf35UevjR9I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/YE8_j7fVAgo/s400/Strand-20130802-00644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-85641464873297953192013-08-02T20:20:00.000+02:002013-08-02T20:20:06.155+02:00A fashionable social night.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvdMMdEPZps/UfvwbjDTl3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/aKv3U9FuPO4/s1600/team+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvdMMdEPZps/UfvwbjDTl3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/aKv3U9FuPO4/s200/team+6.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TcglN27GZY/UfvrTKPfk-I/AAAAAAAAAN8/YBQu5WwZF2c/s1600/team+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we’ve had our usual volunteers hard at work on
their educare, sports <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and teaching
projects. Meanwhile Cape Town has also hosted an under 18s group of
construction volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
worked hard on Kaleni Road Park where they’ve painted some amazing designs and
really given it a face lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
plenty of pictures on our GVI Cape Town Face Book page and keep an eye out for
their blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TcglN27GZY/UfvrTKPfk-I/AAAAAAAAAN8/YBQu5WwZF2c/s1600/team+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zsuPtAPqfY/UfvrHyhAvPI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zJtMq-MoVpg/s1600/team+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zsuPtAPqfY/UfvrHyhAvPI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zJtMq-MoVpg/s200/team+2.jpg" width="115" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, this is to report a fashionable event which occurred
during the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our regular volunteers
joined our Under 18s for Social Night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The volunteers were broken into teams, given a bag of bits and pieces and
then given their task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Design some
evening wear…with a touch of South Africa. Teams took the task very seriously,
appointed a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">model, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">decided on a person to do a commentary and got to work. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pCrLMSQr2g/Ufv2YdUIFuI/AAAAAAAAAPA/5aRZWoVLfc4/s1600/Team+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pCrLMSQr2g/Ufv2YdUIFuI/AAAAAAAAAPA/5aRZWoVLfc4/s200/Team+3.jpg" width="115" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-92_s3kBHg/Ufvq4_mZBsI/AAAAAAAAANk/jvRsjy3uDvg/s1600/team+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-92_s3kBHg/Ufvq4_mZBsI/AAAAAAAAANk/jvRsjy3uDvg/s200/team+1.jpg" width="106" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zsuPtAPqfY/UfvrHyhAvPI/AAAAAAAAAN0/zJtMq-MoVpg/s1600/team+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some amazing team work, great design ideas and interesting
twists as the teams set to work with their designs. The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Touch of South Africa” ranged from carrying
babies on their backs, HIV awareness ribbons, carrying items on their heads and
blatant commercialism in the form of </span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui589_peoTI/Ufvz6ca0A4I/AAAAAAAAAO0/i30ic-2XDyU/s1600/team+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui589_peoTI/Ufvz6ca0A4I/AAAAAAAAAO0/i30ic-2XDyU/s200/team+4.jpg" width="96" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a Miss South Africa sash. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The designs..well some of the adjectives
included..”out there, random, extreme”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Classy, distinguished or fashionable weren’t really relevant on this
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The models were chic, attractive
and scary all at once really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The commentaries
were amusing and sold their models well although hard to hear above all the
laughter as our models strutted their stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So a new experience for all of our volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A creative and fun night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty to laugh at and a little to be afraid
of.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to all volunteers for a great night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-37709518043519793382013-07-02T20:25:00.000+02:002013-07-02T20:25:41.146+02:00Reflecting on the year so far....<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are halfway through the year and in the business of each
day for the volunteers and staff it’s sometimes easy to forget all that we’ve
managed to achieve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s the day to day achievements; a child who learns to
write their name, says their first word, reads a book more independently, is
able to stand up on their surf board for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the achievements we all really
value and it’s what makes us all love the work that we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7E9nF2VZHk/UdMTo_cdVaI/AAAAAAAAALU/y6VSd2LoR4Y/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7E9nF2VZHk/UdMTo_cdVaI/AAAAAAAAALU/y6VSd2LoR4Y/s200/IMG_0388.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the other achievements that come to mind from this
year include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A physical transformation at Grade R<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with painting our work room and laying
artificial turf. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our healthcare program
has also thrived at Grade R this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpupNdDUJjw/UdMWcFGJBWI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PwsIXU-MXko/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpupNdDUJjw/UdMWcFGJBWI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PwsIXU-MXko/s200/DSC02330.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our Teaching program, we have a new reading program for
the Year 6 students inspired by one of our interns which has resulted in some
enthusiastic readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our alphabet
program for Year three students has shown some good improvements for children’s
literacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA8stBq0ROo/UdMZjyw7V4I/AAAAAAAAAMc/9bFwBmZYWjI/s1600/DSCN8559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA8stBq0ROo/UdMZjyw7V4I/AAAAAAAAAMc/9bFwBmZYWjI/s200/DSCN8559.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Sports program has seen greater teacher involvement
which is one of our core objectives and it’s been wonderful to be able to
utilise the new sports field. We continue our surfing program and see
continuous improvement in the students’ confidence in water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr9s9oL3nc4/UdMU91pFIfI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Boes0u3Myp4/s204/IMG-20130702-00901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr9s9oL3nc4/UdMU91pFIfI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Boes0u3Myp4/s204/IMG-20130702-00901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xr9s9oL3nc4/UdMU91pFIfI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Boes0u3Myp4/s204/IMG-20130702-00901.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the orphanage, the children’s level of fluent English is
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older children are making
good progress with their new alphabet program and we see all the children
developing into confident learners. Art therapy activities have been a recent
introduction to our program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01luKk1rTm4/UdMTvPIiyXI/AAAAAAAAALc/859RktfhGts/s1600/earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01luKk1rTm4/UdMTvPIiyXI/AAAAAAAAALc/859RktfhGts/s200/earth.jpg" width="168" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our nursery volunteers have developed a new structure for
the day, they’ve transformed the classroom with some paint and children’s work
and have worked with the carers to provide some great learning tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can now also use the Sports field for
physical activities!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpupNdDUJjw/UdMWcFGJBWI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PwsIXU-MXko/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpupNdDUJjw/UdMWcFGJBWI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PwsIXU-MXko/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpupNdDUJjw/UdMWcFGJBWI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PwsIXU-MXko/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpupNdDUJjw/UdMWcFGJBWI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PwsIXU-MXko/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To all the volunteers and staff who have made contributions
this year and in the past, we say thank you and we also thank those behind the
scenes who may not get to be in the field all of the time but certainly are
part of every achievement. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Together, everyone’s contribution makes a difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl Martin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-28659863587690474022013-06-27T11:40:00.000+02:002013-06-27T11:40:10.555+02:00Join our Staff Team!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This weekend the Cape Town staff team had a training and
team building weekend. Staff training is essential for the development of
individuals but also for the effective running of our programs. It is important
to us that the training benefits our programs but also that the skills learnt
can be transferable for our staff’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>future
endeavours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgsxebknjFA/UcnkiYY4ekI/AAAAAAAAAKw/rQTyNI6A1-Y/s1600/IMG-20130622-00766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgsxebknjFA/UcnkiYY4ekI/AAAAAAAAAKw/rQTyNI6A1-Y/s200/IMG-20130622-00766.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training workshops covered this weekend were using Social Media,
Communication Skills and Time Management skills. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Our Communication skills workshop was followed with a very
fitting teambuilding activity, blindfolded quad biking. We lead our partners
around the track using only verbal instructions. It was great fun and a lot of
laughter all round! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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If you are interested in joining our team please see Careers
Abroad for current available positions here in Cape Town.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><a href="http://www.careersabroad.co.uk/">http://www.careersabroad.co.uk/</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jennie Rasmussen </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Programs Manager<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-27599843914998107332013-06-18T21:02:00.000+02:002013-06-18T21:02:10.764+02:00Exploring the Garden Route<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you volunteer on our Cape Town
projects you can also do a range of side trips either through GVI or some of
the local companies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of our
volunteers allow time after their volunteering experience to explore what South
Africa has to offer. Others fill the weekend seeing the sights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a recent adventure by some of our
volunteers.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIQVfW2dVIY/UcCslq16aDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/xPkenrn6yzA/s1600/DSC_0478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIQVfW2dVIY/UcCslq16aDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/xPkenrn6yzA/s320/DSC_0478.jpg" width="213" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
past weekend, we went on a three day garden route tour with a company called
Cape to Addo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend was packed
with many activities, beginning with a safari on Friday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there we went on a walk with lions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the lion walk, we went to the hostel where we stayed for both
nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hostel, Afro Vibe, was directly
on the beach and had a fun laid back atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our time at Afro Vibe, we became
friends with other volunteers and swapped volunteering stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed traditional South African food
that was prepared by Afro Vibe staff and went to bed excited for the next
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had an early start Saturday
morning, but there was no complaining because we had the chance to walk, feed,
and ride elephants!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next was bungee
jumping at the world’s highest bungee jump bridge, the Bloukrans Bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone participated either by daring to
walk across the bridge or by jumping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sunday morning we went to the Cango Caves and did an adventure
tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We squeezed through spaces we
never imagined anyone could fit through and we were thoroughly impressed by the
natural beauty of the caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The caves
were our last large adventure, but driving back was enjoyable as well, because
we drove through the mountains and watched the sun set behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were surprised by how much we could fit
into such a short amount of time and we now have many fun stories to tell our
friends and families.</span> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle, Christine, Heather and Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-68049820853988674372013-06-13T21:56:00.000+02:002013-06-13T21:56:13.974+02:00Construction Project at Grade R
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HunKo9hFKtQ/UbocNFKKgtI/AAAAAAAAAI4/1Tc-1_0GZas/s400/IMG-20130523-00127.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JQPeoNmVE/Ubob7J4cf6I/AAAAAAAAAIw/W7PYI5_cVy8/s1600/761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JQPeoNmVE/Ubob7J4cf6I/AAAAAAAAAIw/W7PYI5_cVy8/s1600/761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JQPeoNmVE/Ubob7J4cf6I/AAAAAAAAAIw/W7PYI5_cVy8/s1600/761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JQPeoNmVE/Ubob7J4cf6I/AAAAAAAAAIw/W7PYI5_cVy8/s1600/761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea of laying artificial
turf at Grade R was inspired by one of our volunteers who went home after
volunteering and raised money towards the project. She had seen the play area
at Grade R turn from a dusty hard area to a muddy puddle depending on the
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of the children having
a grass area to play on was an appealing project. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had two construction
volunteers Jemmel </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Sebastien here at the same time, so what </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">better project
than to lay the turf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">job
and they were eagerly helped by our Transport </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manager, Moses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area was about 30 square </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">metres. The
volunteers dug this whole area down 10cm ready for a </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJbim0fYa9Y/Uboe1xjYqfI/AAAAAAAAAJU/_sLZ0yRP-ro/s1600/721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJbim0fYa9Y/Uboe1xjYqfI/AAAAAAAAAJU/_sLZ0yRP-ro/s320/721.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">preparation of sand,
bricks and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">crusher dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately we then had a week of
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to be discouraged, the
volunteers spent the rainy days doing some indoor jobs such as helping to build a
partition in our classroom at the Nursery. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Grade R was just a
very muddy, wet, work site and we all kept a careful eye on the weather
forecasts. We were so pleased when the sun came out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sand, crusher dust, bricks, they were all
laid and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">compacted ready for the final day when it </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was all hands on deck to get
the grass down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Andy came over from the orphanage to lend a hand and the rest of the volunteers helped out where they could. Including stomping down the newly glued turf.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zmwpabof_E/UboiMQZxGBI/AAAAAAAAAJg/qCAawuNyhL8/s1600/757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zmwpabof_E/UboiMQZxGBI/AAAAAAAAAJg/qCAawuNyhL8/s320/757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grace, the Grade R teacher,
and the children were absolutely delighted with the final result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is now an area where the can children
to read, play, have circle games and exercise. It makes the area colourful and
bright as well as much safer to play. Importantly, it helps the children take
pride in their school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JQPeoNmVE/Ubob7J4cf6I/AAAAAAAAAI0/HwzIf8pfDkQ/s1600/761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7JQPeoNmVE/Ubob7J4cf6I/AAAAAAAAAI0/HwzIf8pfDkQ/s400/761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing
Grace, the children and our future volunteers enjoying the grassed area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheryl Martin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Manager</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8326656515800977631.post-16116085333573523092013-06-09T19:43:00.000+02:002013-06-09T19:43:49.745+02:00<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTNnzzMJU7o/UbSwF9Mx9SI/AAAAAAAAAH4/zcUpjl8Ta7c/s1600/DSCN7903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTNnzzMJU7o/UbSwF9Mx9SI/AAAAAAAAAH4/zcUpjl8Ta7c/s400/DSCN7903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMwhzKFpKOc/UbS6wA2lJVI/AAAAAAAAAIM/IhYiAiiKCzE/s1600/DSCN7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMwhzKFpKOc/UbS6wA2lJVI/AAAAAAAAAIM/IhYiAiiKCzE/s1600/DSCN7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMwhzKFpKOc/UbS6wA2lJVI/AAAAAAAAAIM/IhYiAiiKCzE/s200/DSCN7843.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A month ago we were lucky enough to be asked to stay on as
scholars coordinating the project at Nceduluntu Nursery after volunteering
there for the previous three months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were so honoured and excited as it gave us the extra time to put a system in
place for new volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the past few months we’ve been working on one on ones
with as many of the 92 children as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which lead us on to putting together a register making it easier for all
children to get an equal opportunity for learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each child now has their own folder to
display their own hard work and hopefully take home to show their parents at
the end of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MJpkx6EYH0/UbS7PSJxWnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/uQtmvu40npw/s1600/DSCN7927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MJpkx6EYH0/UbS7PSJxWnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/uQtmvu40npw/s200/DSCN7927.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make sure the children get a range of different themes,
we’ve put together a spread sheet of around 30 different ideas and space to
date when each theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thought this
would make it easier for new volunteers to see what the children have recently
been working on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part of this we have
created a spread sheet including the children’s names along with tick boxes to ensure
that each child completes at least on activity, during each two week
theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Included in this we came up with
a system to show each child’s progress and areas they struggle with, so that we
can help them individually improve on these areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first theme we started with was “Colours and Shapes” We
did many different activities during this time including matching colours and
shapes, finger painting colours of the rainbow, tracing over the name of the
colour with the same coloured crayon encouraging them to say the colour in
English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also made a big rainbow
using the children’s handprints for them to display in the classroom. It looks great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Abby Fisher and Laura Lehan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nceduluntu Coordinators<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0