The service group of Penryn College, together with Taneth Germishuys, the service leader, and her committee members, have been hard at work this year (and in the last months of 2009). Books-in-Homes, an NGO run by Val Morris has been able to sell bags of blocks, dolls and cushions to preschool teachers at a nominal rate, thus both teachers and Val benefit from this effort. A big drive for Haiti was successful in collecting money, a project still ongoing, as we hope to win The Grove Spar competition and add that to our effort. A good number of scholars and teachers took part in the CANSA relay for life. The Collect-a-can drive was successful in collecting around 500 cans for the Lions Club. The houses at the College have also pledged to get involved in the Community effort, and so far Harrier has collected R1700 towards the SPCA from selling prego rolls at break. Our CANSA debutantes are also doing great work in their fundraising. However information on the larger projects in which we were involved last year needs updating, so that is what follows below.
QEDUSIZE
Towards the end of 2009 we made an appeal for a place of safety called Qedusize that had approached us for help with their upgrade. I am really pleased to report that the home is looking much improved. Through some generous donations both before and after the appeal they have been able to:
• Floor all the rooms with pre-treated wooden ‘slatted’ boards which as made them so much warmer and cleaner
• They obtained paint and all walls have been painted
• The tiling and plumbing is progressing and the bathrooms are much improved although the geyser still needs to be installed
• Round square delegates painted the front gate and put up curtain rails where there were none, and curtained the lounge and bedrooms with quality curtaining
• The bedding is much improved together with toweling and some clothes donations
• Small Christmas hampers and food were taken at the end of the year
• Through sale of donated items and a Bafana shirt raffle, R1800 has been collected towards a television. This is vital to all scholars as news and connection with the world outside of their own is necessary for a real education.
BUT... ceiling boards in all rooms still need to be installed before the Department of Social Services will provide funding. This, despite the fact that they have been receiving children to take care of, from that department, for more than a few years. The cost of this is in the region of R8000 so donations of material, labour and/ or money, or materials at cost price, would be hugely appreciated.
SIMUNYE.
The fencing that was needed to demarcate their property so that a veggie garden could be set up and so that the children had a play area was erected this year. Through funds donated by the 2008 grade 11’s and generous help from John Watson’s company, Gallagher Fencing, a diamond mesh fence was put up. The Round Square delegates then were able to dig a double trench garden and also put up ‘tyre seats’ for the children to sit and play on. Pictures of them in action can be seen on the Round Square photo link.
ALL NEW!!!!! _ HELP NEEDED HERE!!!!.......Read on to see how YOU can make a difference.
SIYAKHULA – Place of Safety in Msogwaba
Child Welfare has been approached by a group of ladies who want to set up another Place of Safety for orphans in this area. They have been ‘donated’ the buildings, and are in possession of papers to that effect. They have set up an organization with members with portfolios and appear extremely organized. However the buildings are in desperate need of repair and rearrangement before anyone could possibly live in them. Kath Porter and I visited the sites and photos appear below. Money is always the stumbling block and before our scholars can get involved, which is one of the reasons for us exploring these places, they need structural upgrading. I have asked for the organisers to forward costs, from glass panes for the windows and doors for the interior, to the labour costs for breaking through the single quarters to make a single ‘home’. PLEASE contact me if you can help in any way with materials, labour or donations. It is humbling how these women have seen a need in their community and are rising to the challenge completely altruistically. I look forward to hearing from you!
If anyone can help in anyway please contact Angie Theron on 082 823 8664.
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The pictures above show the house that was donated unfinished. With only a small amount of input this could become a livable dwelling. Please help.
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These single quarters are across the road from the house shown above. They need to be broken through and the doors blocked up, amongst other things.
Once all this is done, KITCHEN EQUIPMENT will be vital as well as BEDS AND TABLES AND CHAIRS. If you are remodeling or refurnishing, PLEASE let us have your discards! We will collect and store.
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