John X Safaris Humanitarian Initiative 2012
As many will recall, John X Safaris made giant strides towards community upliftment during 2011. Through the support of our generous hunters who took part in our Humanitarian Initiative we were able to achieve our goals in supporting the Amasango Career School. Some of the donations included; warm blankets for winter, sports equipment, toothbrushes, face clothes, warm socks, clothing, school stationary, toys, and more. Needless to say the support of our donating hunters went further than what they’d ever realize, and set off a new 2 year commitment for the John X Safaris Humanitarian Initiative.
Some proud moments from 2011.
This year sees the start of us taking on a brand new challenge and a very special little school. After much searching and debating, we’ve come up with the Nomzamo and Siyakhula Pre Schools.
Nomzamo Pre School in Grahamstown township, Tantyi Location.
Some Background on – NOMZAMO / SIYAKHULA PRE-SCHOOLS
Siyakhula Pre-School is situated in Grahamstown, East Cape, and was established during early 2000. It accommodates a range of kids from previously disadvantaged homes, whose parents cannot afford the cost of day care or pre schooling outside of townships. What started out as a belief of wanting to make a difference while at the same time providing for a family, has now turned into a lifeline for many under privileged homes.
Mrs. Ntentile is the founder and head mistress of both Nomzamo and Siyakhula Pre School – “I believed that my role, small as it may be, could make a difference in the lives of vulnerable kids. Furthermore, it was aimed at helping parents continue working without worrying about the safety of their kids. It also targeted teenagers and gave them a second chance in life as they continued with their studies even though they had kids of their own. In addition to this, this pre-school was opened with a view of creating jobs. Right now I have five dedicated employees. In other words, it was my way of empowering other women to be self-sufficient and not depend on their spouses.”
Currently, the enrolment stands at +- 100, with numbers changing throughout the year due to varying circumstances. Mts. Ntentile adds, “Given our rates (R100 – the equivalent of +-$13 per child/per month) and the hours we dedicate to the children, I regard this venture as much a lifeline for our family as my contribution to society.”
Some kids are fetched as late as eight in the evening and the first arrivals start at 06.30 every morning. Apart from the peace of mind knowing that your child is being cared for, parents are assured that children receive a minimum of two meals per day.
FUTURE PLANS & GOALS
- The school hopes to generate the support of the State to reach their dream of – Free enrolment for kids.
- Wish to upgrade current facilities, having a larger, more accessible venue that will accommodate more kids so as to increase the number of child-minders.
- To effectively reduce the number of kids on the streets.
- Reach their goals of “enough” equipment and toys. Right now kids are sharing a limited amount of toys and stationary, this often leads to frustrations throughout.
CHALLENGES FACED DAILY
- Lack of State support.
- Serve the poorest of the poor; parents often don’t pay fees at all. This makes running the centre extremely difficult as a large portion of money generated is spent on providing the basic two meals a day.
- Relocation of parents increases the distance and kids end up dropping out of Pre School.
- Unemployment of parents.
- Steady supply of food for kids.
John X Safaris Humanitarian Initiative plans to support the school in two main areas.
The first sees us undertaking the challenge of upgrading both facilities, starting with Nomzamo. Gardening, fencing, painting, plastering and plumbing are all in need of serious attention. We plan to develop a welcoming warm environment which allows kids of a young age to be stimulated by their surroundings.
The structure is fairly sound, but a lot of gardening and maintenance will be required.
Secondly we would like to empower the teachers by giving them the tools and stationary to stimulate the minds of the kids. All are in desperate need of pens, pencils, crayons, colour in books, paint sets, toys, puzzles, story books, and much more. Basically anything that would stimulate and educate kids between the ages of 18 months and 6 years of age.
While teachers are willing, the lack of stationary and supplies is what seems to be their Achilles heel at present.
The list can go on and on, but we’ve set ourselves boundaries in order to achieve these goals.
Trish will be running the project with regards to prioritizing stationary needs and overseeing any funds raised for the upgrading of facilities. Anybody can take part in this program by either monetary donation or supplies donations. Most everybody who took part in our 2011 program sourced products within the USA and requested the Humanitarian Blue Bag from SCI, which they then traveled with to Africa. Others decided to give John x Safaris a budget and have all their requested supplies sourced in South Africa, ready for them upon their arrival. This intern allowed for convenient travel without extra luggage. Which ever option you choose we’ll be more than willing to assist.
Those of you who may be interested in taking part in our 2012 Humanitarian Initiative during, before or after your safari can contact Trish on hunting@johnxsafaris.co.za
No matter how small your contribution, gift or stationary supply may be, be assured any form of assistance will be highly appreciated.
Trish van Zyl
John X Safaris Humanitarian Initiative 2012 – hunting@johnxsafaris.co.za
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