Sponsor's update from Rustenburg, South Africa

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

Dear Sponsor,

Pleasant greetings to you our dear friends, sponsors who have sustained us by making a difference in the lives of our lovely children through your generosity which is so much appreciated. We started the year 2008 with only twenty eight children, today we have forty three children in our care. Within October we will be admitting five more children according to the Social Worker’s process of admission. All our newly admitted children and newly recruited SOS Mothers have adapted well to their new home and have formed long-lasting relationships with one another. The third term of school has brought improved school performance for all our children - thanks to the extra classes offered once a week by community volunteer teachers.

Our slogan for the year is “Bana boswa” - Children are our future heritage, has gained momentum as our village has become popular to the community and to people volunteering to be part of us. For example, the local community churches taking our youth out for spiritual enrichment and exposure to other youth groups and organising an annual birthday party celebration for all our children, which was celebrated on the 4th April.

Learners from local schools also helped in organising for a successful celebration of Child Protection Week on the 31st May and Youth Day celebration on the 16th June where children were pampered with lots of refreshments and gifts.

Geelhout Park Secondary School Learners through a school Project donated gifts to our children.
The 9th August is National Women’s Day and it was celebrated in style in our village in partnership with North West FM, Anglo Platinum, ABI and the community at large. The day made our village a centre of attraction with all the banners of Anglo Platinum, Coca Cola, North West Radio and our own SOS Children’s Village, waving from all corners. Amongst others, Braai Stands; Children’s Stationery; Lunch Boxes; School Bags and T-Shirts were donated to the village. It was a fun-filled day for the children and a special day for our SOS Mothers too as the whole nation was celebrating “Women’s Day”. Our children enjoyed playing on jumping castles and danced to music that was very entertaining.

Events at Rsutenburg, South Africa

The Official opening of the village event, took place on the 24th September, which is National Heritage Day. We had a Task Team consisting of community members who were committed in assisting us in the planning for this big day which was long awaited. On that day, we had local community members, Government Sectors, National and International guests and dignitaries present. There were over 250 adults and over 200 children who came to celebrate with us. The children’s activities such as traditional dancers, the hip-hop dancers, the pantsula dancers together with a local church choir turned the event into a memorable fun day. Heritage day in our country is marked by colourful traditional gears and this was very evident and visible on this day. Our Neighbourhood Policing Forum and Public Safety crew were among our dignitaries.

The unveiling of the plaque was done by Mr. Laurence Saville-Chairperson of SOS South African Board of Governors, Mr Gary Mabutt, from the English Football Association, the Royal Bafokeng Queen mother Mmemogolo Semane Molotlegi. To us, the unveiling meant that raising more awareness of our village and strengthened relationships with both local and international friends. Our future plan is to have all ten houses occupied with children by the beginning of 2009.

Rustenburg Family Strengthening Programme has succeeded in implementing most of its plans to date. The programme consists of 155 families and 453 children. The programme has succeeded in offering Parenting and Financial Training to thirty caregivers. The relationship with the Department of Social Development; Home Affairs and Agriculture have been enhanced. Seventy-six children from 45 families have been referred to these departments to be assisted with legal documents; government grants and with skills and equipments to start food gardening project. This project is due to be launched at the end of October.

To date, 33 children received uniforms, 9 received school stationery, and 154 children received clothing items and toys while 15 families have been receiving fuel.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to you for the relentless support you have extended throughout the year; it is only through your sincere sponsorship that this facility can survive. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful festive season.

Yours sincerely

Arifa Shariff
International Sponsorship Coordinator