GVI Blog for Volunteering in South Africa on Community Projects

My First Day at Kiddies Corner

2012-01-25T18:37:00.000+02:00

My first day at Kiddies Corner was a day that I will never forget. A lot of preparation and anticipation had gone into the first full day at Kiddies Corner. What would the children be like? How would they act around me? And how would I act around them?

I definitely wasn’t sure what to expect. But my first few moments at Kiddies Corner showed me just how my time would be. The children were so happy to see us; they would run over and greet us with a hug with big smiles on their faces, they all seemed genuinely happy to see us, which is so comforting and nice to see. Although I have only been there for a few days, I already feel and can see that the children at Kiddies Corner will remain with me forever. I am starting to see individual personalities coming out, none of the children are the same, they are all amazing in their own way, and I can’t wait to get to know them all in my remaining time to come. I really look forward to seeing the children’s progress in their learning.

Teaching the children is such a warm and fulfilling feeling, just to know what level some children are at and being able to work with them on that is a pleasure to be involved with and I can’t wait to carry out this experience to continue on working with the kids.

Hoana Skipworth – Masiphumelele Volunteer

A New Role for a New Year

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000+02:00

My new role as Coordinator at Ikhayalethemba has meant that I have had to learn a lot this week! We have started with all new volunteers - Mairead, Lilly, Elyse and Hannah. We’ve had a wonderful time getting to know the children and discovering their skills. Learning all the names has been a challenge at times, but we’re getting there.

We’ve introduced a new morning circle time as a way to start the day and we can already see the children responding to the morning roll call and hello song. It’s been great to see the toddlers and special needs children keen to join in with this routine too!

It was a really hot start to the week but once the day got a little cooler, one of our favourite activities for the week has been the obstacle course. We set up a course that the children could move, crawl, jump and run around. We were pleased to see the toddlers keen to climb through the colourful tunnels and to see how well some of the children could skip with their skipping ropes.

Today for our baking task the children decorated a cake for our Project Manager JT. JT had a great surprise to see the children in their party hats singing Happy Birthday. She loved the card they made and they certainly enjoyed making it. We’re sure it will be a memorable birthday for her.

We’re all looking forward to next week, with some great activities planned and we’re keen to keep working on our morning circle to make it a really positive start to each day at Ikhayalethemba.

Cheryl Martin - Ikhayalethemba Coordinator

Tales of Christmas in Westlake

2012-01-08T21:49:00.000+02:00

Twas the week before Christmas and all through The Hope Centre not a creature was stirring except for the 12 children stood on the grass in front of an array of parents, siblings, teachers and one random girl from across the road who appeared early on.

Our volunteers had spent the last two weeks preparing the children for our end of year Christmas party. During the event our partner Pastor Brian of the Westlake Baptist Church was able to thank all of the parents for their support and thank GVI for our input in what has been a successful venture so far. We had been making decorations, necklaces, cards and of course practising a few carols including the obligatory “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells”. The event went really well. The children, including the random girl from across the road, sang beautifully and were joined in the finale by all the parents, who also looked to be enjoying themselves, or at least the mince pies!

The show was stolen by an outstanding appearance by Santa Claus, who in this case bore a striking resemblance to our Programs Manager Jim Bacon, though none of the kids seemed to see it so perhaps I am wrong! Either way he was warmly welcomed, sung to and then hugged by all the kids at once. Presents were given to all of the Hope children and also brothers, sisters and of course the random girl from across the road. Everyone left with a smile on their faces, a song in their hearts and in the case of Evance, one of our 5 year olds, a pocket bulging with mince pies! It was a fitting end to a great year for us here and a lovely way for us to say thank you to the children, parents and also the volunteers here.

From all at GVI, we hope you had a Merry Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year! Fingers crossed that we can move into the new year with as much success as we have had in this past one, and that those students who are moving on do so with some good luck and maybe a bit more education than they had before.

Nick Herrick – Fish Hoek Project Manager

The Food Plate

2011-12-30T17:10:00.000+02:00

Think of a vegetable. Now think how to draw it. Now think of five more. Not so easy is it, and yet that is the challenge that we set ourselves this week with the healthcare project.

In order to show the kids what they should be eating we decided to teach them Michelle Obama’s food plate. One evening of hilarious “art” work and then a morning of attempting to explain the difference between a fruit and a vegetable, and why you shouldn’t eat too many grain products to children with a vague grasp of basic English. Yet this group of 3-5 year olds seemed to understand almost straight away.

The staff of the educare in which we are working have been fantastic and genuinely interested in bettering themselves and their children. They have been happy to ask questions ranging from “What do I do if a child is choking?” to “What is that? A tree?” It was broccoli, and an excellent drawing too!

The lovely thing about this project is that, despite the short term, each project only lasts for two weeks, you are able to see changes happening around you. One girl would bring in only crisps (chips) for lunch for the first few days but after the workshop on healthy eating the carers talked to her mother and she had rice and vegetables, potatoes and chicken and some sort of pasta dish in her lunch box. When you can have this sort of impact, and make a real difference to someone’s future, it is the best thing in the world!

Margaret Whitehead – Health Workshops Volunteer

Cornelia's Letter

2011-12-16T21:00:00.000+02:00

2^nd December 2011

Dear GVI

I write this letter to express my thanks for your hard work. You come to my centre as a blessing. You manage to make my centre a succeeding one. Parents are so impressed with the impact you have brought to the lives of their children, they can’t close their mouths and they are very happy as well as me. I’ll never forget the miracles of God because I believe it’s only him who showed you this place.

Looking forward to working with you next year, it has been so wonderful. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless the whole management and staff.

All from Cornelia and family and staff

Cornelia Musekela – Rainbow Centre Project Partner

Teacher! Teacher!

2011-12-14T11:33:00.000+02:00

2 weeks at the Ikhayalethemba project in Gordon’s Bay passes so quickly! I still remember my first day at the orphanage hearing the children chanting “teacher! Teacher!” as they ran to the gates. I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome reception.

I have taught in Australia but these kids are just remarkable. The best part of arriving at the orphanage has got to be being greeted by these little bright faces, all keen on learning. I am constantly amazed at how bright the children are. Even though I don’t know much about the background of these children, I am in awe at how happy they are in spite of the hardships they have gone through. These children will make you laugh, tire you out and in spite of their mischief, they will fill your heart with this indescribable sea of endless love.

My most memorable experience was when we took the children to the beach. I don’t think we fully appreciate what we have and the trip to the beach made me realise how we take the smallest things for granted. You would think that the children would have gone crazy and ran to the water. Well some did but there were some who were really scared. “Why?” you may ask “Aren’t there beaches in Cape Town?” Yes there are…and beautiful ones I must say…The ones that make you want you want to sit on the warm sand forever. But these children rarely get access to the beach. So the fear of water is but normal. The children were so happy to be out in the open close to nature. It was simply heart warming to see Lea laughing and smiling so much.

I will miss these children so much. The chants of “Teacher! Teacher!” Their silly antics, their eagerness to learn and singing the “Tooty Ta” song with them.

Shikha Kuckreja – Ikhayalethemba Volunteer

Babies ‘n the Beach

2011-12-12T21:02:00.000+02:00

I’m a long term teacher at ACJ so I generally don’t get to spend that much time at the orphanage. But this week I have been fortunate enough to go there almost every day. It has been an amazing experience and I can’t tell you how much I love it here. The kids are amazing and make you never want to leave.

This week Beth gave me the amazing task of writing profiles for the babies. We have four: Anathi, Lisa Khanya, Ricardo and Xabiso. They are all so cute and I loved spending time with them and getting to know them better (despite being covered in baby drool, among other bodily fluids). My GVI t-shirt will never be the same.

Today we took the kids to the beach. I was nervous, especially after learning that some of the kids from the nursery were coming too. In all, we probably had about 50 kids! We divided them up into teams (using face paint of course) and got them into the water and building sand castles. I was actually surprised about some of the kids being afraid of the water. I remember when I first saw the ocean, I fell in love immediately. It was interesting to see the kids’ different reactions. Overall, despite the not-so-great weather we had a great time. I know the kids will never forget today and neither will I!

Felicia Black – Long Term Teaching volunteer

It’s That Time Again..... The End of Term Exams

2011-12-08T07:58:00.000+02:00

The termly exams always prove an exciting time at ACJ. As Teaching Coordinator, I am never quite sure what is going to happen. In my first term, we made a contingency plan around the first day of the week when I realised that, no matter what the schedule says, normal classes are not going to happen. So this time around, I was prepared. I had spoken to the volunteers, spoken to the teachers and even spoken to the children – everyone was prepared for exams and the unavoidable shift that they create.

So from the 14^th to the 18^th, we scrapped all of our normal classes and worked solely with Grade 3. This is a grade we don’t usually work with, although the sports project has just started to include them in the massive number of students it reaches with great success. In the past though, when our normal Grades 4 and 6 are unable to come to lessons, we do knock on a Grade 3 door and ask if they need our help. From experience, the Grade 3s are a delight to work with. They are old enough to answer questions and pick up extra details and to sit still and listen, but young enough to absolutely get lost in a story and fall in love with the person reading it.

So this week, that is what we did. We read stories to group after group of seven and eight year olds, getting opportunity after opportunity to perfect that rise of the voice, that enthralling whisper and that absolute must for any excellent story reader – the over exaggerated facial expressions that every child then mimics for the rest of the day.

Melanie Welfare – Teaching Coordinator

Story Time in the Library

2011-12-06T18:52:00.000+02:00

This week we started Story Time during break for grade 1-3. The first class came in on Monday with one of the grade 1 teachers, Ms. Manswana. The look on the kid’s faces every time they come in the library makes my day. They all walk in “one by one” reminding each other to “shhhhh – Tulani! Tulani!” The teacher leads them straight to the “reading corner” in the back.

All 40 of them pile in to the reading corner, designed for no more than 10 or 15 students. They somehow manage to all sit down and were only told once to be quiet. They listened to a story in Xhosa, told with much animation and acting out. Though I didn’t understand a word that was being said except “mamela” I enjoyed it as much as they did!

Watching the kids enjoy the library, I was reminded of the tremendous effort that Mel and the Library Day Team as well as everyone who helped with fundraising efforts put in to make this library possible. ACJ has a brand new, usable library that every single class has been in at least once, and the looks on all the kids faces when they see it, or crack open a book, is more than enough payment for the effort put in!

Emma Mounsey – International Development Intern

Confessions of a Starfish

2011-11-30T13:52:00.000+02:00

I arrived from Australia for a four week South African holiday including two weeks at Ikhayalethemba orphanage. Armed with a 15 minute Xhosa lesson, a day of staff training, a very nervous sleep, plastic bags full of lessons, activity equipment and no idea what to expect we were dropped at the centre. Greeted by an assortment of students, saliva and what still seems to be their favourite English word – “teacher” we quickly learnt that no lesson, lunch, child weather or behaviour would be the same.

I have had a great time with GVI and I am going to miss the students, staff and the laid back South African lifestyle a great deal (coming from an Australian student who lives at the beach, that says a lot).

The organisation is equally professional as it is dedicated. I have loved meeting people of all walks of life who have committed themselves to the same purpose: offering the most valuable gift anyone can give to another – time.

I would love to return sometime to give this gift again, and highly recommend anyone else, regardless of experience, desire or talents. The rewards for both the volunteers and children are immeasurable.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” – Dr Seuss

Tim Hammond – Ikhayalethemba Volunteer

The Challenge – The Full Story, from Start to Finish

2011-11-27T20:18:00.000+02:00

Amazing!! I can’t actually believe I managed to cycle and walk 350km in 5 days and finish it off with a hike up Table Mountain. It was tough and there were some tears and moments when I felt I wouldn’t finish but being as stubborn as I am I refused to give in! And although there were some tears there were definitely many, many more laughs and fantastic memories. We had the most amazing team of people who were constantly upbeat and positive even when we were all completely shattered and in pain!! And the fact that we have collectively raised over £10,000 is just tremendous. I can’t describe what a huge difference that money will make.

So Day 1 we set off excited and positive with singing and laughter! We planned to complete the most miles on the first day, a whopping 110km on bike. However it proved to be a much tougher day than anyone had anticipated…

Firstly we had 4 punctures in the morning and this wasn’t helped by the losing of the bike pump!! We had used the last of the spare bikes on the trailer when by some amazing fortune in a remote village we just happened to stumble across a couple of kids sitting with a bucket of water and an inner tube fixing their own puncture. With a little negotiation we had ourselves a puncture repair team and were up and running again!

Secondly, the wind was against us - head on and very, very strong. It was relentless for most of the day, so strong that we actually had to pedal downhill. We also had to cycle a lot on gravel which is much harder than on tarmac. We battled on and got off the bikes to complete the 5km killer hill that we encountered. Towards the end of the day it became clear that we wouldn’t make the 110km point before sundown. The team came together to decide if we would allow the fittest (Jim and Nick aka ‘The Machines’) to finish for the team. But team spirit won and we decided that we all finish or none of us finish so we pedalled off with even greater enthusiasm and determination. We completed 90km that day and ended it with most of us slightly delirious! We planned to make up the 20km by adding it on to another day…

My funniest memory of that day was poor Lucy being so tired that when a big gust of wind hit her side on she just didn’t have the strength to fight it and simply fell into a ditch and just lay there for a few moments before bursting into hysterical laughter… It just shows how shattered we all were! We finally finished in Hermanus and after a quick beer and hearty braai went straight to bed.

We woke on Day 2 to Jim knocking on the door to enquire why everyone had slept through the 5:30 alarm call… Erm maybe because we cycled 90km the day before?!! The first thing we all noticed was the rain… It was pouring!! Not a good start to the second day. We set off with a short run (I swear I was still half asleep) to warm up and then got back on the bikes. The good thing about the rain was that none of us particularly wanted to stop for very long during snack breaks and it was so cold we couldn’t feel the pain in our legs so we actually achieved some of our quickest kms. My trainers were actually filled with water!

We were waved down by a couple in a car at one point to warn us that a baboon had been knocked by a car up ahead and a whole group of baboons were by the roadside… I was so scared of getting attacked by a crazed, angry baboon!! We got off our bikes and walked on the other side of the road making sure we didn’t look any of them in the eye!! Luckily we all survived that little adventure and finished the day in Gordon’s bay. The team had come out to give us a fantastic and much needed warm welcome :-)

So after two days of cycling we were all hoping for a bit of a rest and to be able to do a few kms by sail boat on Day 3. Now Gordon’s Bay is officially one of the windiest places I’ve ever been to… apart from the one day I desperately wanted wind, it was the stillest day I’ve known! And no wind means no sailing. So those of us with aching knees dosed up on pain killers and we set off once again on our bike. Not too long into the cycle we stopped at a petrol station to refuel (on crisps and chocolate). Happy again we all got on our bikes… except for Jim… whose bike had been stolen!!! Some kid had casually walked up alongside wheeled the bike off! Little bugger. So after some excitement with trying to chase after him, calling the police etc we took another bike off the trailer.

I can honestly say we tackled all terrains over the 5 days including pushing our bikes across a beach for a few kms on Day 3! The end of this day was definitely my worst. My knees had most certainly had enough and I finished the last 10kms into Fish Hoek crying!! But I got there thanks to the wonderful support of the team :-) Thanks guys x

I woke on Day 4 worried that I wouldn’t be finishing it on bike because of my knees. Luckily, Rodrigo had some wonderful pain killers and I altered the height of my seat slightly and these things seemed to help. We tackled some serious hills up to Cape Point and climbed to the top where we looked out across the bay to where we had started 3 days ago. I actually could not take in just how far we had cycled. An unbelievable distance already and we still hadn’t finished! We all enjoyed the long wheel back down the hills looking out over the sea and then managed to add on the 20kms that we didn’t do on Day 1, to compete our second longest day of 89kms :) Go Team!

So Day 5 was a lovely change from cycling. I was so happy that I didn’t have to get back on that bike! We walked the 30kms with most of the other volunteers from Gordon’s Bay and Fish Hoek. My legs seemed to stiffen up the further I walked and I definitely wasn’t looking forward to the hike up the mountain with my now dodgy knees. But we managed it and all crossed the finish line together… proud, happy and bloody shattered!!

I have so many fantastic memories of those 5 days. It is so amazing what you can achieve when you put your mind to it along with great team spirit and determination and a small dose of stubbornness!

A huge thank you to all of you for your sponsorship money and kind messages of support. It means so much.

Hazel Thompson - Ikhayalethemba Volunteer

There’s No Such Thing as an Ordinary Day at Nceduluntu!

2011-11-23T23:30:00.000+02:00

“Teacher! Teacher!” is our wakeup call here in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa. The kids run at you when you arrive and you know that it’s going to be a good day.

After feeding the gorgeous babies in the morning it’s time to have the first lesson of the day – Maths. We start the lesson off by singing the morning some and going through the class rules. Normally we have around 10 kids in each class with two teachers. After 30 minutes of Maths we move on to English where we are practicing shapes, colours, objects and writing together with the kids. We get the opportunity to see them develop and move up to higher classes, which is our goal.

During snack time which is right after English, we make sure that the kids pray and don’t spill all of their food which is hard work! After some free play where we can get to know the kids better and start recognising their laughter, we come to my favourite part of the day – physical, music and movement! All of the kids (around 50), the carers and the volunteers gather together in a big circle to sing and dance. The kids get a chance to show off their awesome rhythm to the rest of us!

“Who wants to go to class?” asks Ali, the coordinator of Nceduluntu, and soon they are all lined up one-by-one ready for our creative session where we let them use their own imagination and just be kids.

After 30 minutes of scissors, colours and glitter we serve the kids their lunch (and make sure they eat it all up) it’s “Shoes off, toilet and lala” - time for the kids daily nap. They are packed in like sardines in one of the classrooms, while we play around with the babies, talk to the carers, eat lunch and wait for the kids to wake up. That’s the main focus for the afternoon – to give them attention, a shoulder to lean on. This is the time the younger kids who don’t have class with us during the day get one-on-one time with us in the container classroom. This is something they all look forward to and constantly ask “Teacher, me?!”

At around four, it is time for us to say “see you tomorrow” and start looking forward to the following day with the kids.

Tilda Christensson – Nceduluntu Volunteer

Charity Challenge Completed!

2011-11-22T20:38:00.000+02:00

After a long 5 days, the challenge is over - and what a fantastic success it has been!! Many hardships were endured along the way and now there are many sore and aching bodies, but we completed the full 350km and the scaling of Table Mountain.

Of the full 5-dayers, Lucy had one injury too many to be able to attempt the last climb, but she met the rest there on the finish line so we could complete it together. It was a tremendous team effort and everyone deserves to be very proud. It was an awesome achievement!

However, we should be no means forget the exceptional effort of all of those involved - from those doing the full 5 days, to those doing the full final day, solely the mountain climb, to those providing the wonderful welcoming committee and much needed refreshments at the top. Everybody had a part to play and everybody contributed. A hand is needed for all.

And how much have we raised? At the time of writing, a brilliant £10,148.47!!!

What can we say except a huge thank you to each and every person who has donated. This money will make such an incredible different to the projects, our breaths have been taken away!! We are well over our target, but the more that comes through, yet more can we improve the lives of the beautiful children we work with. So if you feel like you'd still like to donate, please do, every penny counts.

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gvi-ct-challenge

Thank you again from all of GVI Cape Town. :-)

Jim Bacon – Project Manager, Fish Hoek

Something Good to You

2011-11-22T18:00:00.000+02:00

I came to this project two weeks ago and from the first time I met the students, I knew that this was going to be a lovely experience!

Every day is different and you never know what is going to happen when you jump off the bus in the morning. I am very happy everyday to see the girls and boys and it’s beautiful to see that they actually make progress. I have only been here two weeks and already I see differences – it doesn’t need to be much and when they really understand something, I almost jump out of my chair with happiness!

I spend a lot of time preparing the lessons but it feels so great to be able to help someone. It is a plus that I learn so much myself – I actually wonder who learns more, me or the students? Honestly, I think it is a kind of honour to be here and help the children learn something.

The days in the school go very fast and they are good therapy. If you feel like you just really want to lie in bed, you just need to jump out of the bus to see the cool crazy beautiful kids and you are totally happy again! Everyone is friendly and happy and welcoming, it doesn’t take long before you feel at home and I love Wednesday’s social night and Thursday’s karaoke.

Every day at the project and outside the project, everything just gets better and better and I just feel so happy. Everyone should try this because it really does something good to you, and for the kids.

Sofia Nymark – Teaching Volunteer

Charity Challenge Team Member Profile – Rodrigo Masse

2011-11-11T08:57:00.000+02:00

Hey, my name is Rodrigo, I’m from Mexico City.

I’ve been a volunteer with GVI for over 2 months now. At the beginning I did not have a specific reason to be here, I just knew I wanted to do something worthwhile. By now I know for sure why I came here, this is an excellent way to travel, but not only for pleasure, but to do something more proactive.

I have been doing most of the Gordon’s Bay projects, I love all and each one of them, that’s why I think the charity challenge, is a great opportunity to help the projects not only as a volunteer but also an external help. That’s why I’m trying to raise a bit of money, and also participating in the actual challenge, to get in touch with the beautiful South African countryside.

Hopefully we’ll have an amazing 5 days out there, and with your help make to the top of Table Mountain.

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gvi-ct-challenge

Rodrigo Masse – Teaching volunteer

Charity Challenge Team Member Profile – Hazel Thompson

2011-11-11T08:51:00.000+02:00

Hi! I’m Hazel, I’m 26 and from Surrey, England.

I’m volunteering in Cape Town for 10 weeks, at the Ikhayalethemba Village orphanage, and Nceduluntu Educare Centre. I am a qualified physiotherapist, and having worked for five years, I felt I wanted to take on a new challenge whilst doing something worthwhile.

When I heard about the charity challenge, I jumped at the chance to take part. I have always wanted to do something and it will be amazing to be able to contribute towards raising money which will go directly into the projects that I am working on. I am thoroughly enjoying my time and the children are incredible. The money we raise will make such a difference to them. The challenge is going to be very tough, but totally worth it, to raise the money for such a worthwhile cause. In the four weeks that I have been here, I can already see how much difference this fundraiser will make to the children’s future. I am looking forward to celebrating at the finish line, on top of Table Mountain, after a painstaking five days.

A big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and for all your support!

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gvi-ct-challenge

Hazel Thompson – Ikhayalethemba & Nceduluntu Volunteer

Painting at Kiddie’s Corner

2011-11-08T09:20:00.000+02:00

Art has always been a big part of me, so I was very excited when we got involved in helping out with a big beautiful wall painting at Kiddie’s Corner in Masiphumelele.

Kiddie’s really is a sweet little corner of Masi. They don’t have much room for over 30 kids who attend there. They recently obtained a shipping container to add an extra classroom for the kids and the project partners worked on cleaning it out and washing it off to be painted. After they put on a base coast of light blue paint, we (the volunteers) were asked if we wanted to help out with a design for the container.

I love to draw it and I came up with a design after my experience and the general feelings I’ve had here so far. The design has kids waving and holding hands representing the wonderful children I’ve met , a South African flag for this beautiful country, green vines for the design to look unique and a big heart that we all ended up putting out handprints in for the feeling of love at Kiddie’s.

Project Partners and volunteers working together to make this new classroom come to life was a great experience to be a part of, because I got to know everyone there on a new level. When we put the final touch of our handprints in the heart and our two weeks were finished, we were all thanked dearly for our effort and contribution. I was equally thankful. I really feel in love with Kiddie’s corner and being involved with the painting of their classroom was one of the reasons for it.

I know Kiddie’s will be a part of me forever and how a little bit of me will always stay at Kiddie’s corner.

Petra Karneback – Masiphumelele Volunteer

Charity Challenge Team Member Profile – Ebonnie Goss

2011-11-07T20:03:00.000+02:00

Hey my name is Ebonnie. I am 20 years old, and from Essex, England.

I’ve been in Gordon’s Bay for a month now, with my final two weeks to go. Originally starting at ACJ on the sports project, and moving to the orphanage to work with the special needs children. I came to South Africa, on a soul searching mission, not knowing what I wanted as a career or where I hoped to be in 5 years time. But I will be leaving Gordon’s Bay, with a sea of memories and much hope for the future, where I will go on to study sports therapy and special needs at university.

From being at both ACJ and Ikhayalethemba, I am overwhelmed every day by how beautiful and intelligent these children are, from teaching a very stubborn baby how to crawl, or helping a boy with severe mental disabilities on his quest to walk, every day I come home feeling proud of myself for making a difference to their life, and equally theirs to mine.

When I heard about the charity challenge, I knew instantly that I had to be involved, whether it was for the full five days, or simply a day. If it meant that the children at the Hope Centre or at Ikhayalethemba village were going to benefit from it, even if it’s not much. Something I’ve learnt from being here is that a little will always go a very, very long way. So let’s bring on the blood, sweat and tears, because knowing I get to see those little smiles at the end of it, will be worth any pain.

CHARITY CHALLENGE 2011 – BRING IT!

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gvi-ct-challenge

Ebonnie Goss – Ikhayalethemba Volunteer

Charity Challenge Team Member Profile – Lucy Knight

2011-11-04T19:03:00.000+02:00

Hello, I’m Lucy. I’m 22 years old and I come from the South West of England. I am volunteering at GVI for 6 weeks. I graduated from University College Falmouth a year ago with a degree in Graphic Design. After a year of work placements I felt like I needed a break and wanted to do something worthwhile. I’ve always loved children so this project was perfect!

When I heard about the Charity Challenge I immediately wanted to take part as I had been teaching at Grade R School from day one. I’ve got to work closely with these children, so I know first-hand how hard they work, how much they appreciate their education and how much they love to learn. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but I’m also extremely excited, to challenge myself and to be raising money for such a wonderful cause. I’m proud to be raising money for something that will outlive my stay in beautiful South Africa.

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gvi-ct-challenge

Lucy Knight – Nceduluntu Volunteer