I KAYA LOTHANDO

The mission 2007

graduation party
Arrival in Cape Town
Jeremy brings I KAYA LOTHANDO onto Knysna’s website
Delight at the play school
World Aids Day event was rained off
The Cape Province is flooded through rains
The graduation party 7.12.2007
Poverty test
March on foot through Smutsville/Sizamile
This time Father Christmas arrives on horseback
Visitors from Germany
The jigsaw course
The dream of a home for HIV/AIDS affected and street children leaves us no peace
Susan does not give up

Preparations for the mission 2007/2008

Traditionally, we were again able to collect donations for I Kaya Lothando from friends, acquaintances, companies and at various events, e.g. a kite festival.
We could, free of charge, take donations with a weight of 20kg with LTU to South Africa
We were astounded with the offer of the company, Terra Personalmarketing of Gummersbach, by supporting the project through a special campaign and to inform their clients about us. The project was introduced with its own website, www.terraafrika.de during a Christmas campaign. In a second campaign, beginning 2008, their clients were sent an AIDS-ribbon together with a newsletter to remind them of the project.

Ankunft in Kapstadt 4.11.2007
Upon arrival, it was raining with stormy, cold weather almost like in Germany. The weather did not improve on 5.11.2007 and the Cape storms, which occur frequently, are especially unpleasant when it rains. We did, however, have a fruitful conversation with Pastor Stefan Hippler which then made the storm and cold weather bearable. Stefan Hippler is the Pastor of the German Catholic community in the Cape, author of the book, "God, Aids, Africa" and he is also the founding member of the organisation, "Hope".
We were welcomed by a friendly and dynamic young man, casual with sunglasses on his head. "My name is Stefan, how may I help you?" We quickly came to the point. The reason for our visit was to gain information on how to effectively manage our small project and the possible hurdles we may come across. We experienced a great deal and were given many tips.

Incidentally, the book, "God, Aids, Africa" is highly commendable. To the reader who is not well-informed about Africa, it provides an insight into the problems with which one is confronted when trying to provide assistance.

Jeremy bringt I KAYA LOTHANDO auf die Webseite von Knysna
Jeremy Dredge offers to publish the project on the South African Internet.
We met up, discussed the situation and could initially not believe how someone could so selflessly set up a site for the project at no cost. We delivered the text with photographs and a few days later, the site was completed. You will find the site under www.knysna.co.za, click on "Helping Hands", then click on "Community" and there you will find the Clouds-End Project. Thank you, Jeremy.

Delight at the play school
There was great delight to be seen in the faces of the children, Lydia, Elsie, Kati, Anni, Maria and the new play school teacher. The group of children had increased from 25 to 40. Lydia immediately informed us what is required to take care of 40 children. We provided more mattresses, tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, etc. Maria informed us that the kitchen helpers are not receiving the wages they were promised. It went without saying that we immediately reacted so that the kitchen helpers would remain. The bread sponsor had also withdrawn from the project. We made direct contact with a wholesale bakery to secure bread delivery. We arranged with Lydia that the presents for the graduation party would be supplied and that we set up the Christmas party as had been done annually. Everyone is waiting in anticipation of both these festivities.

World Aids Day event was rained off
This time The World Aids Day was literally rained off. The plan was to introduce I KAYA LOTHANDO and other relief organisations at this event, however, it rained without interruption.

The Cape Province is flooded through rains
Through hefty rain-falls at the end of November, we were unable to offer our input in Smutsville. Many main roads were flooded for 3 days and even the highway between George and Knysna was closed for a whole day. We made many attempts to reach Smutsville, but were forced to turn back as the rain was too severe and the floods had caused serious damage to the roads. When roads are washed away and the access to towns is no longer possible, then one can imagine the magnitude of these floods. Once the rains had subsided, we were able to visit the play school again. We were relieved to see that damage was minimal. The roof of the centre suffered the greatest damage and had to be supported to avoid it from collapsing. Also in a situation like this, Africa would not be Africa as the people were quite casual about everything, starting with cleaning up operations and repairs. Thank goodness, after these endless downpours and as if nothing had happened, the sun shone again. Other than wet feet, flooded floors in the play school the already ailing roof, we got off lightly.

The graduation party 7.12.2007
A kind of farewell party is arranged for the children who will be attending school from January. Here the children display what they have learnt. The “big” children are bid farewell in a similar fashion as one would expect at a graduation. Our contribution to these children was a school satchel each and various other donated goods. In a jam-packed church, with a 2 and ½ hour program which started at 19:30, the younger children thrilled all in attendance with songs, poems and theatre acts. Each presentation had a length of 5-10 minutes and the little ones were dressed up accordingly. These youngsters were so exhausted, that one would think they would keel over, but the enthusiasm was greater than their weariness. We took video footage to show that with limited means, great fun and entertainment may be had for all involved. Zoe was in charge of co-ordinating this event and was totally exhausted at the end.

Poverty test
In the interest of our donors, we regularly test the needs of the supported projects. After consultation with those responsible locally (Agape Church) on 4.12.2007, we together with Lydia, Henry and Zoe, came to the conclusion that the needs of the project as initially illustrated upon our arrival in November 2007, are no longer so that support is required. To our delight, through the restructuring of the premises (according to the information supplied) that each of the children who are taken care of at the premises, are financially secure. We have in our possession, appropriate supporting documentation from the Agape Church. Still it remains our philosophy to only support the really needy. Through the restructuring process, the measures we took to complete our goals for this facility are no longer required and the corresponding funds will be transferred to other projects.

March on foot through Smutsville/Sizamile
One does not have to search for long to see the real needs in Africa. Firstly, we contacted other relief organisations, then we (Zoe, Olaf and I), together with a nurse (Barbara) undertook a 3-hour walk through Smutsville to visit children and the sick, so we could get an idea of the situation. It is shocking to see that not even the basic necessities are available. No running water, no toilets and no electricity in the shacks. Many people sleep on uncovered floors. Generally the townships are dirty and unsightly, except for the churches. People, who have even only the slightest sense of order, will see that these are catastrophic conditions. Refuse and everything else possible just lies scattered around and anything that is found, is hoarded. Broken bottles and other refuse are simply thrown into the streets or bushes (if there are any). In addition, one sees intoxicated, drug addicted and neglected children. There are, however, other sights where one would immediately say, "see, it is possible". One had planted a vegetable garden, another built a small brick house out of builder’s rubble and on occasions one even sees a plant in the front garden. We were warmly welcomed wherever we paid our visits, be it Granny, to whom Barbara had led us, clean and groomed, sitting on the threshold of her wooden shack. Tidiness is prevalent here. All belongings are stored neatly and the interior wooden planks are covered with cardboard. She even has a clock, behind which she claims are all her papers for when she passes on. Abraham, who is wheelchair-bound, lives with his family in a small brick house. Although he cannot work, he is never bored, keeping himself busy with hobbies like building ships out of matches. He reads a great deal and generally makes a happy impression. A single mother with her baby would like us to photograph her as she is looking for a man. Men in Africa are apparently in "short supply". We are, as always, affected by the friendliness and keep thinking of the unemployed and welfare recipients who moan about their social grants in our home country.

This time Father Christmas arrives on horseback
As we had discussed with Lydia and Henry at the beginning of the month, the need for support is no longer required and thus this would be the last Christmas party for the children and staff of the I KAYA LOTHANDO DAYCARE CENTRE. This time the children, under the guidance of Elsie, had to work hard for the party. Each child had to paint a picture which would be given to Father Christmas. In addition, a book was fabricated which stated that all the children were well-behaved and that there were no problems throughout the year. There was intense activity on the playground and the adults were kept busy playing with the children. The question of when Father Christmas would arrive was asked over and over again. Then it was time to eat, with the meal consisting of home-made pizza, which Zoe’s daughter had made, together with fruit juice. Cake and coffee was offered to the ladies. The little ones were already tired after the picnic and Father Christmas was still nowhere to be seen. The excitement mounted. Then at long last, after singing "Jingle Bells" almost 20 times, Father Christmas together with a huge bag of presents, made his appearance on horseback. Each child gave Father Christmas the picture they had painted and the older children had to answer questions to confirm that they had indeed been well-behaved. Now it was time to open the presents. One little boy cried bitterly, as he had wanted a doll instead of a toy car. The ladies and the children thanked Zoe, Angelika and Woody (Olaf) for the nice play school they now have and hope that we will visit them every time we are in Smutsville. There was song, play and laughter and the ladies from the kitchen even shed a tear during our farewell. "Please come visit and don’t forget us".

Visitors from Germany
Support for the house of HIV/Aids-orphans and other street children.

Waltraud and Harry are with us and are obviously keen to see Smutsville and the children. After the Christmas party, we gave them idea of what our work is all about. They agreed with us that our goal to erect an orphanage would be a good and worthwhile idea for the needy children. After our research, it was confirmed that many children live with people who do not care for them properly, if at all and this forced us to take action. Time and again we hear about children being raped. What will become of these children? No-one gives them a chance. They could live with and be raised by a type of small family, be taken care of and fed regularly and sufficiently by them. What seems normal to us is an exception here. Waltraud and Harry are of the same opinion and offer to canvas donors for us. They are incidentally the first and only to contribute funds for I KAYA LOTHANDO on a monthly basis. They were now able to convince themselves by having seen the situation. They returned to Germany at the end of January, sad on the one side and happy on the other. They were happy about the wonderful holiday, but sad to have seen such poverty in a rich country.

The jigsaw course
After several preparations, manufacturing of tables and finding an adequate facility within Smutsville, the jigsaw course could commence. Initially, however, there was scepticism on our part if we should start the course at all, as most of the youths originate from disturbed families. Drug and alcohol abuse occur daily, thus aggressive behaviour being imminent. Dangerous objects such as screwdrivers, saws and scissors should not lie around without supervision. We worked on this project together with a local relief organisation (Masithandane). They founded a project called, "Little People Project". Here the goal is to remove the children and youth from the streets and offer them various creative workshops requiring various skills such as handicrafts, dancing and to impart knowledge of social behaviour. Contrary to numerous warnings that some of these youngsters are very rough and undisciplined, we decided to take on this challenge and have no regrets.

Equipped with jig saws, wood and other requirements, we started the course with boys between the ages of 7 and 16. About 30 boys applied for the course. At first the boys had to make a round name badge, then in further classes they made a cat, a fish and a car. The biggest task consisted of a group effort, each with 5 boys respectively. Initially various shapes were cut out, painted and then glued to a hand-made picture frame. The gaps between the shapes were filled with small colourful beads and then the pictures were covered with a glaze. Today, these art pieces furnished with a newspaper article are mounted in a former prison (now a museum) of Knysna, which also houses a workshop where artwork made of beads is produced.

Remarkable is the fact that these apparent rough boys were already in the community hall prior to the courses and could not wait to start working on their projects. Admirable is also the fact that they were able to concentrate intensively for longer than 2 and ½ hours and came up with the idea of creating their own shapes. Throughout the course, not one single jig saw blade was broken. There were no incidents of inappropriate behaviour. Each of these boys is special. They took their tasks very seriously and were pleased to create something. During their last lesson at the end of March, they all received a certificate. We ended the course with a juice and biscuits. To show their gratitude, the boys handed us a note where each one had written their name and thanked us in 3 languages: ENKOSI KAKHULU, BAIE DANKIE, THANK YOU: Dear Woody (Olaf) and Angie (Angelika) thank you for all you have taught us…..Please come back! Love THEODORE. What could be more rewarding than to please young children and to give them attention?

The dream of a home for HIV/AIDS affected and street children leaves us no peace
Although only limited funds were available for our project, we have achieved a great deal and are of the opinion that fulfilling this dream may also be realised, should we find the right people who are willing to support our cause.

Initially we contacted the community and politicians. After informing the Mayor’s office of our intention to purchase property from the community to build an orphanage, we were able to set up an appointment with the Mayor. She seemed thrilled with our plans and promised to tend to the matter. To cut a long story short, a great deal of time was wasted, many emails sent back and forth and the result was an appointment with the Mayor’s secretary. We were told that there is no property available in Smutsville and that we should look outside of Smutsville. Without becoming disheartened, we spoke with many people. The owner of a local newspaper said that he would assist us if need be. He pointed out that there was a deserted school about 20km away, which we then inspected. Upon our second visit to this property, we took the opportunity to speak to some youths who informed us that the building is used by the church on Sundays, but otherwise the building remains empty. They gave us the address of a farmer who apparently knows more about this.
Simon, a British vegetable farmer, who has been residing in South Africa for the past 17 years, knew very well about the school in Elandskraal. Many years ago, he trained farm workers in this building to enable them to improve their lives. Unfortunately the church evicted him from the building. He assumed that the church felt that the people became “too clever”. In any case, he said that he would get involved again, should this be possible. He gave us a few telephone numbers of the Government offices in Cape Town and we made contact with the relevant persons. After many telephone calls and much time wasted, we seemed to be going around in circles again. On our next visit, we will continue to follow these leads.

Susan does not give up
Susan Antas, 40 years old, mother of three children and a friend of Maria (kitchen assistant of the play school in Smutsville) phoned us on numerous occasions, stating that she urgently needs to speak with us. Shortly before our departure, we met several times. With our assistance, she would like to help her people out of poverty by showing them possibilities, that it lies in their own hands for them to change things, to improve their self-esteem and to be able to trust other people. She leads us to a holiday resort at the Kleinkrantz beach, which had been unutilised for the past 8 years. A few repairs are being carried out by the city of George and then it will be allocated for tender. She feels that this property would be ideal for our plans. She said that she would do everything to find out what this tender is all about. She asked us to introduce ourselves to the community. We explained to her that this would not be the correct route. We said that the people of Kleinkrantz should get involved in getting this property for the use of the community and we would then try to support them. She said she would do so intensively, she assured us.

The situation in Kleinkrantz and Kranzvlei is similar to that in Smutsville, where these settlements where people live, are tolerated. A mere stone’s throw away, there are also villas belonging to the wealthy, who often only live in these houses 4 weeks of the year. For the approximately one thousand residents of Kleinkrantz, there is no recreational facility where children can play and there is no health care available. The nearest hospital is 25km away. Once a month, a nurse from the nearest city of Knysna sees to the sick people on the streets. There is no facility where abused women and children can seek refuge. Instead there are 4 shebeens (bars), unemployment, alcoholism and drug abuse. We got to know Elisabeth. She started a small soup kitchen in 2001. As she also assists her fellow people, Susan would like to show us what Elisabeth does. Elisabeth has 6 children of her own and caters for hungry children. She has a small cargo container which she converted to a small shop for the community. She uses part of the takings to finance the soup kitchen. She, just as Susan, is concerned about the development of Kleinkrantz and its children. She immediately informed us of the rape of a 50 year old (in drunken state) woman by 3 youths between the ages of 13 and 16. What would become of these children when they grow up under these conditions and do not even realise that they are doing something wrong. Nobody looks after them. The people have no faith anymore. They had always been promised that things would change and this has not materialised and have thus given up. We need to motivate them to pick up courage and that they learn to take the future into their own hands.

Susan barely has money, but she already sent us two SMS’s to inform us of what she is doing with regards the holiday resort. She pleaded with us to assist her with proposals of how she should approach the authorities. We put compiled a short letter with suggestions of what the people of Kleinkrantz should say their intentions are with the resort. We are waiting patiently to see how things are progressing.

Upon departing South Africa, winter weather was prevalent. The night time temperatures were in the range of 7 to 12 degrees Celcius and daytime temperatures with sunshine, were in the region of 20 degrees Celcius. We are looking forward to our next engagement and hope to find many people who find our plans a worthy cause to support.