Sponsor's update from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Pietermaritzburg, South Africa from Winter 2008.

Joyful greetings to you our dear friend, I am Weekend Ngubane, the newly appointed Village Director at SOS Children’s Villages Pietermaritzburg. I have been an educator for the past eleven years, and I plan on commencing my PhD in Child and Youth Care shortly. Mr. Siphiwe Maphanga has been promoted to our Regional offices in Randburg, and we continue to work closely with him.

Spring is upon us and the air is filled with beautiful aromas of new flower blossoms. It is my sincere pleasure to update you on the magnificent accomplishments of our Village, SOS Mothers and precious children, over the past few months.

Our slogan for the year is “Be great in 2008”, and indeed we have been striving for greatness. Dudu Radebe, one of our Mums, who won the Women of Courage award, was thrilled when the local Newspaper approached her to do a feature on her life achievements. The “women with a big heart” as described by the media, shared her love and passion for the care of children. Mum Dudu has dedicated her life to the children. She has endeavoured to uplift children and assist them to realize their dreams. We are truly proud of the contribution Mum Dudu makes towards the lives of our children.

At SOS Children’s Village Pietermaritzburg it is of great importance that all facilities are utilised to optimum capacity. Over the past few months we at Pietermaritzburg Village have admitted ten new children. The children are flourishing in their new homes and have already formed close relationships with their new SOS brothers and sisters. Our dedicated SOS Mothers have worked diligently to ensure that all the new children are made to feel welcomed and part of the family.

Our village hosted many events during the course of the year and our staff must be commended for their meticulous planning and organizing of such events.

Children growing up at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

On the 7th Of June 2008, we had our Annual Village Celebration. The event was excellently co-ordinated and well attended by over 200 invited guests. Siwelile Mkhize and Nonkululeko Mdluli our teenage girls from the village shared the task of being Mistress of ceremony. Our Annual Village Celebration afforded our children to show off their talent, and they really demonstrated their flair for dancing and singing. We were entertained by our Hip-Hop Dancers, Latin American Dancers and our Melodious Choir.

"The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall; but in charity there is no excess, neither can angel or man come in danger by it." Francis Bacon

Our Village has truly been blessed this year. We are so appreciative of the amazing people and organisations that have assisted us with donations. They continue to support our cause and have no boundaries when it comes to charity.

Our SOS luncheon for our Society members was hosted by Tala Game Valley in Pietermaritzburg. The SOS Society is made up of friends of SOS and people who have bequeathed to the organisation. This outing was fully sponsored by Tala Game Valley; we were treated to a game drive and a sumptuous braai. Our gratitude extends beyond words.

A donor recently nominated us for the Nedbank Local Heroes programme. This programme involves people who bank with Nedbank. They are afforded the opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice to receive R10 000.00. We are grateful to Mildred Cira for nominating us.
Our Family Strengthening Programme maintains their dedication to aid those families in our community who are in dire need. Over the past year the numbers of households and children we assist have increased from 184 to 197 and from 586 to 673 respectively. During the winter months we distributed 40 safety stoves, 15 comforters, and 27 sheets to our beneficiaries.

I am delighted to report that our SOS Nursery School continues to flourish. We have a total number of 87 children attending our SOS Nursery School, ten children are from SOS family houses, and 77 children are from the community. Our children recently participated in an art competition for spring day.

Faith never knows where it is being led. But it knows and loves the one who is leading. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you our dear friend, for your selfless acts of caring and kindness. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful festive season.

Yours faithfully
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WEEKEND NGUBANE
VILLAGE DIRECTOR